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solar energy
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- 1
Nevada is outperforming expectations on solar energy, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The state, long associated with gambling and mining, is expanding large-scale solar capacity in its desert regions, drawing attention as the United States weighs its energy transition. Observers point to Nevada's abundant sunshine, open land and growing investment in renewable projects as drivers of the gains.
- 2California studies solar panels over irrigation canalsβWhat California is learning from solar panels built over irrigation canals
California is testing and studying solar panels built over irrigation canals, a design meant to generate clean energy while shading water and reducing evaporation. Early findings from pilot projects are shaping how the state evaluates wider rollout of the approach. The idea has drawn attention as a way to save land and conserve water at the same time.
- 3Minnesota project pairs farming with solar powerβMinnesota agrivoltaics project shows promise of mixing farming, solar power
A Minnesota agrivoltaics project is showing that crops and solar panels can share the same land. By mounting panels high enough for farm equipment and crops to fit beneath, the project aims to generate renewable energy while keeping farmland in production, offering a possible model for reducing land-use conflicts over the expanding solar industry.
- 4
A Washington Examiner piece argues that the growing energy and cooling demands of AI data centers could eventually push this infrastructure into orbit. The idea is that space-based data centers could draw on continuous solar power and easier heat dissipation. It adds to a live debate over whether terrestrial power grids can keep up with AI's expansion, and follows growing interest among tech firms in orbital computing concepts.
- 5Google unveils Project Suncatcher for space-based AI infrastructureβΌGoogleβs Project Suncatcher to put ML infrastructure in space
Google has announced Project Suncatcher, a research initiative to deploy machine learning infrastructure in space, using solar-powered satellites to run AI compute. The company published early findings on its blog, outlining plans for prototype launches. The project signals Google's ambition to overcome terrestrial energy and cooling limits for AI data centers, drawing wide attention and debate about feasibility, cost and orbital scale.
- 6Large 500-million-euro battery storage plant planned for WaltropβIn # Waltrop entsteht fΓΌr rund 500 Millionen Euro ein groΓer # Batteriespeicher . 800 Container mit Lithium-Akkus sollen
A large battery storage facility is being built in Waltrop, Germany, at a cost of around 500 million euros. The plant will use 800 containers of lithium batteries to store up to 1,800 megawatt hours of electricity and deliver up to 900 megawatts of power. It is intended to feed surplus wind and solar energy into the grid when needed, supporting Germany's transition to renewable power.
- 7An unlikely power player emerges in farmland solar fightβAn unlikely power player in the fight over solar on farmland
A Politico report highlights an unexpected influential figure shaping the growing conflict over solar energy development on agricultural land in the United States. As renewable projects expand into rural areas, tensions between clean energy goals and farmland preservation have intensified, and this new player is seen as having outsized sway over how the dispute unfolds.
- 8Solar and wind meet record 80% of Australia's power demandβ"Solar and wind generation meet record 80% of power demand on Australiaβs national grid" # Australia # Energy # Renewabl
Renewable energy sources supplied a record 80% of electricity demand on Australia's national grid, driven by solar and wind generation. The milestone highlights the country's accelerating transition away from fossil fuels and is being discussed as evidence that large-scale renewables can carry the bulk of a developed economy's power needs, even if only for peak moments.
- 9Argentina launches its first solar-powered trainβ"Argentinaβs first solar train runs on batteries charged by the Andean sun" # Argentina # Trains # PublicTransport # Sol
Argentina has put its first solar-powered train into operation, running on batteries charged by solar energy harnessed in the Andean region. The development is being shared as an example of renewable energy applied to public transport, with coverage highlighting the country's push into solar power and sustainable mobility.
- 10Wind and Solar Grow, But Fossil Fuels Rise TooβEnvironment: Wind and solar are increasing but so are fossil fuels
Global energy analysis shows wind and solar power capacity and generation continuing to expand rapidly, yet fossil fuel use is rising at the same time rather than being displaced. Commentators note that growing overall energy demand means renewables are adding to supply instead of replacing coal, oil and gas, keeping emissions concerns alive despite record clean-energy investment.
- 11Solar to Overtake Coal in Texas by 2026, EIA SaysβSolar to Surpass Coal in Texas Power Generation in 2026, EIA Says
The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power generation in Texas will surpass coal in 2026, marking a milestone in the state's energy transition. Texas, already the leading US state for both wind and utility-scale solar additions, is expected to see coal's share of its electricity mix fall further as new solar capacity comes online and coal plants continue retiring.
- 12Alex Honnold's Foundation Brings Solar Power To Remote AreasβAlex Honnoldβs Foundation Brings Solar Power To Remote Areas
The Honnold Foundation, founded by rock climber Alex Honnold, is expanding its work delivering solar energy to communities without reliable electricity. The foundation funds and partners with local organizations to install solar infrastructure in remote regions, supporting education, health services and local economies. Its approach of pairing clean energy with community-led development is drawing attention as a model for off-grid electrification.
- 13Smoother perovskite films push triple-junction solar cells to 30.1%βSmoother perovskite films lift three-layer solar cell efficiency to 30.1%
Researchers report that making perovskite films smoother has raised the efficiency of a three-layer, or triple-junction, solar cell to 30.1%, a notable step for next-generation photovoltaics. Perovskite technology is watched closely because it promises higher efficiency at lower cost than conventional silicon, though stability and manufacturing remain hurdles. The result adds to a string of efficiency records keeping perovskite research at the center of solar energy discussions.
- 14California grid hits 56% renewable demand milestoneβCalifornia grid reaches 56% renewable demand and nearly one-fifth of hours on clean energy
California's power grid has reached a point where renewables meet 56% of demand, with nearly one-fifth of hours running entirely on clean energy. The figures highlight the state's progress in shifting from fossil fuels toward solar, wind and other renewable sources, and are being cited as evidence that a large economy can operate increasingly on clean power.
- 15Fossil Fuel Industry Keeps Shifting the Goalposts on RenewablesβThe Fossil Fuel Industry Keeps Shifting the Goalposts How denial tactics have evolved as renewable energy succeeds... Th
A commentary argues that fossil fuel interests have repeatedly revised their predictions about renewable energy as those predictions fail. It cites a 2013 Australian Senate debate in which Barnaby Joyce dismissed a 5% solar target as impossible, a benchmark later surpassed as solar power expanded. The piece frames this as a shift from outright climate denial toward moving goalposts about what clean energy can achieve.
- 16Woodbine neighbors push for pause on solar panel projectsβ'You can't put the genie back in the bottle': Woodbine neighbors push for solar panel pause
Residents of Woodbine, Maryland, are pressing local officials to halt solar panel installations in their community, arguing that once projects are approved they cannot realistically be undone. The phrase 'you can't put the genie back in the bottle' captures their concern that development is outpacing oversight. The push reflects a growing tension between renewable energy expansion and local land-use control.
- 17Silicon solar cells could cut satellite power costs 90%, UK study findsβUK study says silicon solar cells could cut satellite power costs by up to 90%
A UK study concludes that silicon solar cells could reduce the cost of powering satellites by as much as 90% compared with current technologies. The finding suggests cheaper, more accessible photovoltaic materials could replace costly space-grade cells, potentially lowering the price of satellite missions and expanding access to orbit for smaller operators.
- 18Philadelphia-area schools turn to solar power to cut utility costsβPhiladelphia-area schools are tapping the sunβs energy and saving money on utilities
School districts across the Philadelphia area are installing solar energy systems to reduce their utility bills. Districts see rooftop and ground-mounted panels as a way to redirect money from energy costs into classrooms while also cutting carbon emissions. The trend reflects a broader push by Pennsylvania schools toward renewable energy despite upfront installation costs.
- 19NextPower Sees Solar and Storage Demand Outpacing Policy and Grid HurdlesβNextpower Sees Solar, Storage Demand Powering Through Policy and Grid Challenges
NextPower says demand for solar power and battery storage remains strong despite policy uncertainty and grid connection bottlenecks, according to comments reported by Yahoo Finance. The company's outlook suggests the clean energy sector's growth is being driven by market fundamentals rather than regulatory support, even as developers contend with permitting delays and constrained transmission capacity.
- 20Kubota develops agrivoltaic system for rice farming under solar panelsβKubota agrivoltaic system allows rice farming and combine harvesting beneath elevated solar panels
Kubota has introduced an agrivoltaic system that lets farmers grow and combine-harvest rice beneath elevated solar panels. The setup raises photovoltaic arrays high enough for standard farm machinery to pass underneath, allowing the same land to produce both food and renewable electricity. The idea is drawing attention as countries push to expand solar capacity without sacrificing farmland.
- 21Generate raises $117 million for 114 MW community solar portfolioβGenerate secures $117 million to finance a 114 MW community solar portfolio, giving a new batch of distributed projects the capital to move forward
Generate has secured $117 million in financing to support a 114 MW community solar portfolio, providing capital for a new batch of distributed solar projects to move forward. The funding will help advance community solar development, a model that lets households and businesses subscribe to shared local solar installations and receive credits on their electricity bills.
- 22Rhode Island Audubon goes solar in fossil fuel phase-outβRI Audubon goes solar in bid to eliminate fossil fuels
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has installed solar power as part of an effort to eliminate fossil fuels from its operations. The move positions the conservation organisation to run its facilities on renewable energy, aligning its practices with its environmental mission.
- 23First Solar Slides Toward 52-Week Low, Investors Weigh ValueβFirst Solar (FSLR) Slides Toward A 52 Week Low, Is The Stock Now Cheap?
First Solar shares are falling toward a 52-week low, prompting renewed debate over whether the solar panel maker's stock has become a bargain. Analysts and retail investors are weighing the company's long-term demand outlook, policy headwinds for clean energy, and valuation against the sharp decline. Some see the pullback as a buying opportunity, while others caution that sector-wide pressure on solar manufacturers may not be over.
- 24
A city council is set to review new rules governing solar energy developments at an upcoming meeting. The proposed regulations would shape how and where solar projects can be built in the municipality. Details of the specific proposals and the city involved have not been disclosed, so the scope and potential impact of the changes remain to be seen.
- 25Elgin solar project powers 580 lower-income homesβElgin solar project powers 580 lower-income homes, local economic impact
A solar project in Elgin, Illinois is now supplying electricity to around 580 lower-income households, with coverage highlighting both the energy savings for residents and the project's broader local economic impact. The initiative is being presented as an example of how renewable energy installations can deliver direct benefits to communities that often face high utility costs.
- 26Cattle farms and solar panels can share land, creator saysβCreator rebuts anti-solar meme, says US cattle farms drain water, and can share land with panels
A commentator has pushed back against an anti-solar meme circulating online, arguing that cattle ranching in the United States consumes far more water than solar energy, and that solar panels and livestock can coexist on the same land. The rebuttal frames solar development as compatible with agriculture rather than a threat to it, a common flashpoint in debates over rural land use.
- 27Whitefish solar project powers homes and offsets peak demandβWhitefish solar project powers homes, offsets peak demand
A solar project in Whitefish is now generating electricity for local homes while helping offset demand during peak usage periods. The initiative reflects growing efforts in Montana communities to add renewable energy to the grid and reduce reliance on traditional peak-load power sources.
- 28
Lightstar is growing its project pipeline in Illinois, expanding activity in battery energy storage systems and community solar. The move points to continued developer interest in Illinois as a market for distributed clean energy and storage, though further details on project sizes or timelines were not provided.
- 29Farmers pair sheep and crops with solar panelsβWhy some farmers are pairing crops and grazing sheep with solar panels
Farmers are increasingly combining agriculture with solar energy, installing panels over fields where crops grow and sheep graze. This practice, known as agrivoltaics, allows land to produce both food and electricity at once. DW reports that shading from panels can help crops in hot, dry conditions, while sheep keep grass under panels trimmed, making dual use appealing to farmers facing land and energy pressures.
- 30Former Portland landfill becomes solar farm and wildlife habitatβLocal nonprofits turn former Portland landfill into solar array and wildlife habitat
Local nonprofits in Portland have converted a closed landfill site into a solar array while restoring part of the land as wildlife habitat. The project turns otherwise unusable brownfield land into clean energy generation and green space, and the reuse of landfills for solar and habitat projects is drawing interest in other cities looking at similar conversions.