Category Solar Power

In a historic shift for the U.S. energy sector, renewable energy has surpassed coal for electricity generation for the first time ever, according to a new report. The milestone was driven by a surge in electricity produced from solar, wind, and hydroelectric plants, combined with a consistent decline in coal usage as utilities continue to retire aging facilities. Experts say this marks a major transition point, signaling cleaner sources are moving toward becoming the dominant suppliers of electricity nationwide.

Analysts attribute this progress to technological advancements, lower costs for wind and solar, and strong government policies favoring renewables. As cleaner energy alternatives increasingly outcompete fossil fuels, emissions are expected to continue decreasing. The report underscores that the country is not only meeting, but exceeding, targets for reducing coal dependency, highlighting the promise of a future powered by sustainable resources.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

Global renewable energy production surpassed coal for the first time in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the world’s transition to cleaner power, according to a new report. Renewables such as wind and solar together accounted for 30% of global electricity generation last year, while coal’s share fell to 29%, driven by a rapid expansion of clean energy infrastructure and declining costs.

Experts attribute this shift to accelerated investments in renewable energy sources and more ambitious climate policies worldwide, especially in key markets like China, the United States, and Europe. Analysts say that this trend demonstrates the growing competitiveness of renewables and their central role in reducing carbon emissions from the power sector.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

Solar and wind power have expanded more rapidly than global electricity demand so far this year, according to a new industry report. This surge in renewable energy means that fossil fuel-generated electricity has declined by about 2% compared to the previous year, signaling growing momentum for cleaner energy sources in the fight against climate change.

The report also highlights that renewables made up 30% of global electricity production in the first half of 2025, up from 27% in the same period last year. Experts believe this shift could mark a turning point, as increased solar and wind capacity is beginning to outpace the growth in demand for electricity, driving down emissions from the power sector.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

New York has become a leader in integrating large-scale battery storage systems into its power grid, aiming to improve grid reliability and help transition to cleaner energy sources. These batteries can store excess electricity generated by renewable sources like wind and solar, delivering it back to the grid during periods of high demand or when renewable generation is low. State officials and energy experts highlight battery storage as a crucial component in New York’s ambitious plan to shift away from fossil fuels, especially as officials seek to address concerns about grid stability amid more extreme weather events.

With newly completed battery sites and more under construction, New York is anticipated to reach a battery storage capacity that would power tens of thousands of homes for several hours. Projects like the one in Long Island showcase cutting-edge technology and a partnership between public and private sectors. Additionally, these developments align with New York’s goal to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, setting an example for other states aiming to modernize their energy infrastructure.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

A recent policy change in Australia is set to significantly increase the amount of solar energy that households can export to the grid. Under new electricity market rules, solar panel owners will be allowed to send much more of their unused solar power back into the national system. This adjustment comes as more homes adopt rooftop solar, addressing concerns that current limits have been stifling renewable energy contributions at the neighborhood level.

The updated regulations aim to optimize the flow of solar power across the network without overloading it, enabling consumers to earn more from their solar investments while supporting a cleaner, more reliable energy system. The change is expected to drive further growth in the solar market, ultimately benefiting both individual households and the broader effort to decarbonize the Australian power grid.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

New installations of U.S. community solar projects dropped by 36% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, following a record-setting 2024. According to a report from Wood Mackenzie, around 563 megawatts were added between January and June, as rising project costs, interconnection challenges, and delays in permitting and siting led to the sharp decline in growth following last year’s surge.

Community solar projects enable residents and businesses without access to rooftop solar to buy power from shared local solar installations, and they benefit from state-level programs supporting clean energy. Analysts note, however, that supply chain and development obstacles—rather than waning demand—were the main factors curbing expansion so far this year. They expect that nationwide growth will pick up in 2026 as federal and state policy incentives take further effect.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

An Arizona couple who chose to live off-grid is challenging the usual misconceptions associated with remote, solar-powered living. Contrary to popular belief, their daily life isn’t filled with hardship or isolation—instead, they enjoy a comfortable and connected lifestyle, complete with modern conveniences powered by their solar panels and batteries. The couple explains that thoughtful planning and the right technology have allowed them to maintain running water, high-speed internet, and a cozy, eco-friendly environment in the desert.

They emphasize that off-grid living doesn’t mean giving up comforts or living primitively. Rather, it’s about self-sufficiency and enjoying the freedom that comes from generating their own energy and relying less on public utilities. This lifestyle, they note, is increasingly accessible thanks to advances in solar power and sustainable housing, giving more people the opportunity to live independently and in closer harmony with nature.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

Despite growing pressure to adopt greener energy, many data centers are struggling to transition away from fossil fuels. While some tech giants have pledged to use clean energy, data centers often rely on local electricity grids, which may not have sufficient renewable sources. The challenge is compounded by the huge and constant power demand of these facilities, making it difficult to guarantee uninterrupted service solely with renewables like solar and wind, which can be intermittent.

Financial and regulatory hurdles also slow the shift to green energy. Companies face complex negotiations with utilities and sometimes higher costs for renewable energy contracts. Additionally, building on-site power infrastructure or securing dedicated renewable sources demands significant investment and long-term planning. As a result, the move to truly sustainable data centers is progressing slowly, even as demand—and scrutiny—continues to grow.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

The White House is shifting away from solar energy as part of its broader strategy to tackle climate change, a notable move given President Biden’s emphasis on clean energy. Instead, the administration is placing greater focus on domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components and expanding power grid infrastructure, aiming to support large-scale clean energy projects and secure U.S. energy independence. Concerns about overreliance on Chinese solar imports and recent trade investigations have added pressure to diversify energy sources and bolster local industry.

This pivot comes amid growing recognition that renewable energy progress in the U.S. faces significant obstacles, including supply chain vulnerabilities and insufficient grid capacity. The administration’s efforts are now increasingly directed toward supporting wind, nuclear, and advancing battery technology, with the hope of creating a more robust and self-reliant clean energy sector. While solar will remain a vital part of America’s green transition, the current focus is on strengthening the foundation for all renewable resources.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

A new pilot program in Arizona is allowing homeowners to use their electric vehicles (EVs) as backup power sources for the electrical grid, marking the first U.S. residential effort of its kind. In collaboration with local utility Salt River Project (SRP), homeowners equipped with bidirectional EV chargers can both charge their cars and send stored energy back to the grid during peak demand times. This initiative aims to leverage the growing number of EVs as a distributed energy resource, helping to stabilize the grid, especially during periods of high electricity use or instability.

During the yearlong study, participants will receive financial incentives for their involvement and for sharing energy data while SRP monitors how effective EVs are in supporting grid reliability. The results could set the stage for wider adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in the United States, potentially offering not just greener energy solutions but also new economic benefits for EV owners.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.