Articles tagged with "solar-energy"
Reclaiming Coal Country: 300 GW Solar Goldmine From Coal Mine Conversions - CleanTechnica
A recent report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) highlights the significant potential of converting closed and soon-to-be-retired coal mines into solar farms, estimating an increase of nearly 300 gigawatts (GW) in global solar capacity by 2030—equivalent to a 15% rise over current installed solar power. The study, “Bright Side of the Mine,” analyzes over 300 surface coal mines closed since 2020 and 127 projected closures by 2030, identifying more than 5,800 square kilometers of degraded mine land suitable for solar development. Nearly all these sites are within 10 kilometers of existing grid infrastructure, facilitating rapid deployment. This transition could generate approximately 577,000 jobs worldwide, including both permanent and construction roles, potentially offsetting coal sector job losses by 2035. The report emphasizes major coal-producing countries such as China, Australia, the U.S., India, South Africa, and Indonesia as key regions for this transformation. India alone could develop
energysolar-energycoal-mine-conversionrenewable-energyclean-energyjob-creationenergy-transitionThe US Solar Energy Whack-A-Mole Continues
The article discusses the challenges and ongoing developments in the US solar energy sector amid shifting federal energy policies that threaten to hinder growth. Despite political obstacles, energy consumers continue to adopt cost-effective and abundant solar solutions, exemplified by a new concentrating solar power (CSP) project in California. This project, a partnership between GlassPoint and Searles Valley Minerals (SVM), aims to replace the last two coal power plants in California by providing reliable, round-the-clock clean power. The initiative is notable not only for its environmental benefits but also for supporting local jobs, reducing costs, and securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals like boron, which SVM will uniquely produce in the US after Rio Tinto Borates winds down operations. GlassPoint specializes in CSP technology that uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight to generate thermal energy, producing steam for industrial processes rather than electricity directly. This approach targets a $444 billion industrial process heat market, with strong global demand from sectors such as metals, mining, and oil
energysolar-energyconcentrating-solar-powerclean-energycoal-powerindustrial-process-heatcritical-materialsAgrivoltaics And The Underdogs Of The Natural World
The article discusses the emerging field of agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy production with agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Highlighted alongside Ryan Reynolds’ new National Geographic series "Underdogs," which showcases lesser-known species, agrivoltaics is presented as a promising solution to the global biodiversity crisis. Unlike traditional utility-scale solar farms that often clear land and reduce habitat quality, agrivoltaics integrates solar panels with crops, pollinator habitats, and other natural elements, thereby preserving productive farmland and supporting ecosystems. Farmers benefit from reliable income through leasing land for solar projects, while developers gain community support by emphasizing environmental benefits. The article also highlights innovative applications of agrivoltaics, including urban farming initiatives and anti-desertification projects. For example, large-scale solar arrays in China’s Kubuqi Desert aim to halt desert expansion by fostering micro-ecosystems beneath solar panels. Additionally, agrivoltaics supports diverse agricultural practices such as mobile farming and community gardens, enhancing food production in urban and
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energybiodiversitysustainable-agriculturerenewable-energyenvironmental-conservationTexans Love Their Wind Power, Even If Trump Doesn't - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the tension in Texas between the state's booming wind and solar energy sectors and the Republican-led legislative efforts to curb their growth. Despite Texas emerging as a national leader in renewable energy—surpassing California in gigawatt-hours generated from wind and solar in 2024—some Republican lawmakers, influenced by powerful anti-renewable advocacy groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, are pushing bills that could restrict landowners' rights to host renewable energy projects. These legislative moves threaten to undermine years of progress that have revitalized rural communities and provided significant tax revenue, even though most Texans support renewable energy development. The opposition to renewables in Texas is partly driven by political and ideological factors, including former President Donald Trump's well-documented disdain for wind power. Trump has repeatedly criticized wind turbines on aesthetic, economic, and environmental grounds, despite evidence contradicting his claims. This stance has influenced Texas Republicans, who appear to prioritize fossil fuel interests over the expanding clean energy sector. The article concludes by noting that
energywind-powerrenewable-energysolar-energyTexas-energy-policyclean-energyenergy-legislationStartup Sneaks More Solar Energy Into The Grid
The article highlights a Virginia-based startup, Earthrise, which is advancing the US solar energy sector despite federal policy challenges posed by the “Big Beautiful Bill” that includes provisions unfavorable to renewables. Earthrise recently secured financing for the 270-megawatt Gibson City Solar project in Illinois, notable for its size amid growing local opposition to solar developments. The project’s financing is unique, involving a “first-of-its-kind” tax equity and debt deal coordinated by major international banks BBVA, Intesa Sanpaolo, and NORD/LB, alongside a tax equity commitment from a Fortune 500 telecommunications company. This deal also leverages a new Indexed Renewable Energy Credit offtake agreement authorized by the Illinois Power Agency, signaling innovative state-level support for solar. What sets Earthrise apart is its strategic business model of acquiring existing gas peaker plants and their grid interconnections—totaling about 1.7 gigawatts—and repurposing these connections for solar projects, including over
energysolar-energyrenewable-energysolar-power-plantenergy-financingdecarbonizationclean-energySolar Orbiter captures first-ever images of sun’s south pole
The Solar Orbiter spacecraft, a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, has captured humanity’s first-ever images of the sun’s south pole by maneuvering 15 degrees below the solar equator. These unprecedented ultraviolet images reveal the sun’s chaotic magnetic south pole, providing critical insights into the sun’s 11-year magnetic polarity flip cycle. Unlike Earth’s stable magnetic poles, the sun’s magnetic field reverses approximately every 11 years, a process linked to solar maximum periods marked by intense sunspots and solar flares. The Solar Orbiter’s observations confirm a long-predicted but previously unseen fragmented magnetic mosaic of mixed north and south polarities at the sun’s base, crucial for understanding and forecasting solar activity. The sun’s uneven rotational speed—faster at the equator than at the poles—twists its magnetic field until it snaps and reverses polarity, driving the solar cycle’s dynamic behavior. As the sun approaches its next solar minimum in about five years
energysolar-energyspace-explorationmagnetic-fieldsolar-cycleSolar-Orbitersun's-south-pole10 Solar Energy Facts You Should Know — USA Edition - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the rapid growth and dominance of solar energy in the United States as the leading source of new electricity generation capacity. Key statistics from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reveal that as of 2024, there are nearly 280,000 solar jobs and over 10,000 solar businesses nationwide. Solar power projects are being installed at a remarkable pace—on average, one every 54 seconds—with solar accounting for 81.5% of all new U.S. power capacity in 2024. The country now has more than 250 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to power over 41 million average homes, and boasts 51 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity. Despite these impressive figures, the article notes a slowdown in solar growth in early 2025 compared to the previous year, attributed primarily to federal policy uncertainty, especially regarding tax credits, and regulatory changes in California. Nonetheless, solar energy remains the clear electricity winner
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerenergy-capacitysolar-industryenergy-storagesolar-manufacturingTrump’s 2025 R&D Retreat Ignores Key Lessons from "The Entrepreneurial State" - CleanTechnica
The article critiques the Trump administration’s 2025 plan to reduce government R&D investment, contrasting it with insights from Mariana Mazzucato’s 2024 book, which highlights the essential role of state-led innovation in driving transformative technologies. Mazzucato challenges the common belief that breakthrough innovation is primarily driven by private firms, emphasizing that governments have historically borne the significant risks of early-stage, radical research. She provides examples such as the internet, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, where foundational technologies were developed and funded by public agencies long before private companies commercialized them. Venture capital, often celebrated as a key innovation driver, typically enters later in the cycle, focusing on scaling rather than pioneering uncertain technologies. The article further illustrates how critical energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries emerged from decades of patient government R&D, underpinning companies like Tesla. Even the shale gas boom, commonly viewed as a free-market success, relied heavily on federal funding for early hydraulic fracturing research.
energygovernment-fundinginnovationR&Dclean-technologysolar-energylithium-ion-batteriesREPORT: U.S. Adds 8.6 GW of New Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity, One of its Strongest Quarters of Growth in U.S. History - CleanTechnica
The U.S. solar industry experienced a significant manufacturing surge in Q1 2025, adding 8.6 gigawatts (GW) of new solar module capacity—the third-largest quarterly increase on record—driven by eight new or expanded factories in Texas, Ohio, and Arizona. Solar cell production capacity also doubled to 2 GW with a new factory in South Carolina. Overall, 10.8 GW of new solar electricity generating capacity was installed in the quarter, with solar and storage accounting for 82% of all new U.S. generating capacity, underscoring solar’s dominant role in the nation’s energy mix and manufacturing growth. However, this growth faces serious threats from recently passed House federal tax legislation, new tariffs, and potential changes to federal energy incentives. These policy shifts could undermine the solar industry's expansion by making energy tax credits unusable, imposing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports from Southeast Asia, and creating business uncertainty. Analysts warn that these developments risk causing energy shortages, job losses (up to 330,000), factory closures (331 projected), and a $286 billion loss in local investments. Additionally, electricity costs for consumers could rise by $51 billion nationwide, jeopardizing America’s energy independence and manufacturing boom unless Congress acts to amend the legislation.
energysolar-energysolar-manufacturingrenewable-energyU.S.-energy-policysolar-modulesenergy-capacityWhat Can We Do To Save The Insects? Build Solar Arrays - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the alarming decline of insect populations, driven initially by habitat loss and pesticide use, and now increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Even protected forest areas are experiencing insect losses as warming and drying conditions disrupt ecosystems. This decline has cascading effects, notably on insect-eating birds, which have seen dramatic population drops in the US since the 1970s. The article emphasizes that climate change is a central threat to insects, altering natural rhythms and ecosystem interactions. A key positive insight presented is that solar arrays, often criticized for environmental impact, can actually serve as beneficial habitats for insects and other wildlife. The wide sunny spaces between solar panels support diverse species, attracting birds and mammals, and providing better habitats than surrounding agricultural monocultures, which are heavily treated with pesticides. Solar farms also have minimal human disturbance, further protecting these ecosystems. Additionally, solar energy offers a scalable, clean alternative to fossil fuels, helping mitigate climate change—the root cause of insect declines. To further support insect recovery, the article advocates for habitat restoration, reducing pesticide use, and creating insect-friendly environments such as wildflower meadows and native plant gardens. Examples include efforts like Britain’s King Charles III’s restoration of cultivated lands to natural habitats. The piece calls for cultural and land-use shifts to sustain pollinators, emphasizing that protecting insects requires both large-scale solutions like solar agrivoltaics and everyday actions such as sustainable gardening and pesticide reduction.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyinsect-habitatclimate-changeagrivoltaicsbiodiversityHigh Energy Bills? Blame A Republican! - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the impending rise in energy bills this summer, largely due to increasing natural gas prices and higher temperatures driving up air conditioning use. It emphasizes the role of the US solar industry as a sustainable solution to these challenges, but criticizes Republican lawmakers for advancing policies that threaten this progress. Specifically, the article points to a recently passed House budget bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump and House Republicans—that includes provisions undermining domestic solar manufacturing and installation, particularly harming states that supported Trump in the 2024 election. The piece details how the Biden administration had invested federal grants and loans into solar manufacturing facilities in Trump-voting states, aiming to create jobs and economic growth. However, the new budget bill threatens to eliminate these programs, which the Solar Market Insight report warns will disproportionately impact solar jobs and factories in these regions. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, the article argues that they hold the power—and responsibility—to reverse these damaging changes but are unlikely to do so. Instead, the article suggests that Republicans favor building more gas power plants, a less sustainable approach that could further exacerbate high energy costs. Overall, the article assigns significant blame to Republican congressional actions for the rising energy bills and job losses in the renewable energy sector, while acknowledging other factors also contribute to energy cost increases. It underscores the political dynamics at play, where Republican control of Congress and the administration’s policies are at odds, with the future of clean energy incentives and programs hanging in the balance.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policyenergy-billssolar-manufacturingUS-energy-industrySolar Arrays Can Aid Grasslands During Drought — New Research - CleanTechnica
New research conducted at Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado, reveals that solar panel arrays in semi-arid grasslands can reduce water stress and improve soil moisture, leading to increased plant growth—particularly during drought conditions. Over four years, researchers observed that partial shading from photovoltaic (PV) panels and water runoff from the panels helped grasses survive harsh summer months, with growth on the east side of panels increasing by up to 90% compared to open fields during dry years. Even in normal or wet years, grass productivity remained higher near the panels. This study is the first to field test how co-locating solar arrays with grasslands affects ecosystem dynamics, highlighting potential benefits for renewable energy development and ecosystem stability in drought-prone regions. The research, led by Colorado State University scientists including Matthew Sturchio and Knapp, emphasizes that although the solar array was designed primarily for energy generation, it inadvertently created a more favorable environment for grasses during dry periods. The findings suggest that modifying solar panel design—such as adjusting panel positioning to optimize shade and light exposure—could further enhance water use efficiency and plant growth. The study focuses on perennial C3 “cool season” grasses, with plans to extend research to C4 grasses common in Colorado’s plains, which thrive in warmer, sunnier conditions. This work contributes to understanding how agrivoltaics can support both renewable energy goals and grassland ecosystem health amid increasing drought and climate change challenges.
solar-energyrenewable-energyagrivoltaicsdrought-resiliencegrassland-ecosystemsphotovoltaic-panelsenvironmental-sustainabilityUltra-light printed solar charges Coldplay batteries at Stanford
Coldplay’s recent concert at Stanford Stadium showcased a pioneering use of ultra-light, flexible printed solar panels developed by Australian start-up Kardinia Energy. Covering 5,920 ft², these paper-thin organic photovoltaic films recharged the batteries powering the band’s smaller stage and backstage operations. The technology, created by adapting a commercial wine-label printer to coat recyclable plastic sheets with carbon-based semiconducting polymers, results in a lightweight (300 g/m²), rollable solar film that can be installed quickly by a small crew. This deployment represents one of the largest mobile solar arrays ever used at a live event and serves as a real-world test of the panels’ energy output, durability, and mobility under the demanding conditions of a stadium tour. Kardinia’s printed solar panels offer advantages over traditional silicon photovoltaics, including ultra-low weight, rapid installation, and full recyclability, making them suitable for surfaces and applications where conventional panels are impractical—such as lightweight roofs, curved façades, temporary structures, and disaster-relief tents. Although these organic panels have lower efficiency per square meter and potentially shorter lifespans than silicon, their low cost (up to ten times cheaper) and ease of deployment open new markets. Coldplay plans to continue using the technology throughout 2025, helping to raise awareness while Kardinia refines the product for broader off-grid uses like warehouse rooftops and refugee camps. The successful Stanford trial points toward a future where portable, printed solar farms support not only entertainment events but also remote exploration and emergency response.
energysolar-energyprinted-solar-panelsorganic-photovoltaicsrenewable-energyflexible-solar-technologyclean-energyHow Cuts To The Inflation Reduction Act Will Hurt Everyday Americans - CleanTechnica
clean-energysolar-energyelectric-vehiclesInflation-Reduction-Actenergy-costsgreen-jobsclimate-changeCorruption clouds California's solar boom, study warns of deep abuses
energysolar-energyclean-energyCaliforniacorruptionsustainabilityrenewable-energyElon Musk’s introduction to politics
energyTeslaclean-energyelectric-vehiclesgovernment-policysolar-energyElon-MuskDon’t Get Left In The Dark: EcoFlow's Home Backup Power Systems Are Up To 55% Off - CleanTechnica
energybackup-powersolar-energyportable-powerrenewable-energyhome-energy-systemsEcoFlowThe World Hit Another Clean Power Record Last Year
energyclean-powersolar-energydecarbonizationrenewable-resourcesclimate-goalsIcelandAgrivoltaics Benefit from Comparatively High Acceptance - CleanTechnica
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-agriculturerenewable-energypublic-acceptanceInvestment Risk for Energy Infrastructure Construction Is Highest for Nuclear Power Plants, Lowest for Solar - CleanTechnica
energyconstruction-costsrenewable-energynuclear-powersolar-energyhydrogen-economyinfrastructure-projectsRooftop solar, EV batteries could meet 85% of Japan's energy needs
energysolar-energyelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energydecarbonizationenergy-self-sufficiencyrooftop-solarTrump’s Harvard Ban Echoes USSR’s Historic Mistake To China's Long-Term Gain - CleanTechnica
energyclean-technologysolar-energyelectric-vehiclesgeopolitical-influenceclimate-scienceenergy-storageHarness The Sun: Top Picks Of Solar Gear From GoSun's Memorial Day Sale - CleanTechnica
solar-energysolar-poweroff-grid-solutionssolar-cookingportable-energyrenewable-energysolar-gearRepugnican Budget Bill Could Decimate US Solar Industry - CleanTechnica
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-industryenergy-policyclean-energymanufacturingenergy-incentivesNew water flow battery hits 600 high-current cycles with no capacity loss
energybattery-technologysolar-energyflow-batteriesmaterials-scienceresidential-energy-storagerenewable-energySEIA: Solar & Storage Industry Statement on U.S. International Trade Commission Injury Determination - CleanTechnica
solar-energysolar-manufacturingclean-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policysolar-industryenergy-storageRepublican Bill in Congress Threatens 300 US Factories, 300,000 American Jobs - CleanTechnica
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-infrastructureclean-energyfossil-fuelsjob-lossChinese Solar PV Market More Than 3 Times Bigger Than US & EU Markets Combined
solar-energyphotovoltaicrenewable-energyChinaenergy-marketsolar-marketclean-technologyStartup pin cát Việt được đầu tư một triệu USD
energyrenewable-energythermal-storagecarbon-reductiongreen-technologysolar-energystartupWinners of Solar District Cup Class of 2024–2025 Announced
solar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-innovationenergy-managementsolar-storageclean-technologyenergy-competitionTiny But Mighty: The MARBERO 30W Solar Panel Is A Steal At 59% Off
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-panelenergy-efficiencyportable-chargerclean-technologysustainable-energyCoCo Solar ra mắt nền tảng lắp đặt và trả chậm điện mặt trời
solar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-installationenergy-efficiencysmart-technologyfinancial-solutionssustainable-communityGlobal Solar Outlook 2025–2029: SolarPower Europe Forecasts 1 TW Annual Installations By 2030
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerenergy-transitionsolar-capacityglobal-solar-marketclean-energyShell Subsidiary sonnen Heats Up Virtual Power Plant Race In Texas
energyvirtual-power-plantTexas-electricity-gridenergy-storagesolar-energygrid-stabilityrenewable-energyGóc nhìn độc lập về Cơ chế hỗ trợ giá FIT cho điện gió mặt trời Việt Nam
energyrenewable-energywind-powersolar-energyVietnam-energy-policyUK Councils To Government: Rooftop Solar Should Be Required On All New Homes
energysolar-energyrooftop-solardecarbonizationbuilding-standardsrenewable-energyUK-councils$2.5 Billion Says US Just Can’t Quit Renewable Energy
renewable-energyclean-powerwind-energysolar-energyUS-energy-policyenergy-marketclean-technologyPhase-Shifting Hot Bricks Pack More Energy Storage Punch Into Smaller Spaces
energyenergy-storagethermal-energyrenewable-energysolar-energywind-energyindustrial-processesThe Future Is Now — Solar Citizens Sausage Sizzle Political Protest
solar-energypolitical-protestrenewable-energyAustraliaelectric-vehiclesadvocacyCleanTechnica