solar energy

A University of Houston expert has withdrawn a paper advocating for increased solar energy over power plants. The author plans to publish a revised report after further review.

Cuba experienced its third nationwide power outage in six months, attributed to a US oil blockade and aging infrastructure. The blackout is part of a series since late 2024, exacerbated by fuel shortages and strict power cuts, with the government investing in solar energy to mitigate shortages.

Renewables were the largest source of global energy supply growth in 2025, driven by solar energy which accounted for 72% of the increase. China set new records in solar and wind energy but is stockpiling fossil fuels, while U.S. emissions rose 3.2% and battery storage costs fell 45%. The Iran war accelerated efforts to reduce reliance on Gulf oil and gas.

Global energy systems are being rapidly redesigned with renewable power capacity expanding faster than ever, led by solar energy. The article highlights the unprecedented growth of renewable energy adoption.

A study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) finds solar projects in North Carolina occupy 0.24% of prime farmland, less than suburban development (0.87%) and golf courses (0.28%). Nationally, solar uses 0.04% of U.S. land, with California having the highest overlap at 0.43%. The study refutes claims that solar is displacing agriculture, noting projects prioritize grid proximity over farmland.

The article highlights Maria Telkes as a solar energy pioneer, focusing on her contributions through an episode titled '2608 Maria Telkes: Solar Energy Pioneer.'

Tim Pawlenty, a Republican former governor of Minnesota and current president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, claims the Trump administration is overseeing a 'golden age of solar' despite policy rollbacks. Solar with batteries remains the fastest-growing energy source, but tax credits for large-scale systems will expire by 2024, prompting calls for permitting reform and sustained manufacturing incentives.

SpaceX aims to build AI data centers in space to meet growing computing demands driven by AI. These orbital facilities could leverage abundant solar energy and avoid Earth's environmental challenges but face hurdles like cooling, maintenance, radiation, and orbital debris.

Physicists are adapting their search for dark matter by exploring new methods like quantum sensors and liquid-helium detectors due to neutrino interference. In Nairobi, entrepreneurs are promoting solar-powered grain mills to address Kenya's electricity access challenges and reduce operating costs.

China's provincial governments have released their 15th five-year plans (2026-2030), aligning with national climate goals like peaking carbon emissions by 2030. Plans emphasize solar, wind, hydrogen, and new-energy vehicles (NEVs), with regional variations in focus, such as Zhejiang's 90GW solar target and Jilin's 50% NEV sales goal by 2030.

Ukraine is accelerating investment in wind and solar energy to enhance power grid resilience against Russian energy strikes. Projects like the Oriv wind farm in western Ukraine showcase how decentralized generation can sustain energy supply during attacks, with officials highlighting renewables and storage systems as key to long-term energy security.

Entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kenya, are adopting solar-powered milling machines to address energy access gaps and reduce operational costs. Agsol, a clean energy company, has developed solar mills that are more profitable and environmentally friendly than diesel alternatives, with units sold across Africa. Kenya aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 using off-grid solar solutions.

The Parker Solar Probe conducted another flyby of the sun, and solar energy was highlighted as a success in this week's science news.

The EcoFlow PowerOcean Battery is a home energy solution that can reduce electricity bills by half, store solar energy, and provide backup power during outages.

The decision to adopt solar energy to reduce energy bills depends on factors like electricity rates, location, time spent at home, and individual motivation. The article highlights that there is no universal answer, as outcomes vary based on personal circumstances and regional conditions.

Vermont’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) decision to raise costs and barriers for net metering solar installations has drawn criticism from town energy committee members, who argue it undermines efforts to reduce energy costs and pollution. The decision conflicts with public support for solar energy and comes amid federal rollbacks of solar tax incentives.

Around 2.4 billion years ago, bacteria evolved to harness solar energy, splitting water molecules to create sugars and releasing oxygen into Earth's atmosphere, fundamentally altering life's trajectory. This evolutionary leap enabled the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy, forming the basis of photosynthesis.

Solar energy provided 12.8% of U.S. electricity in May, surpassing coal's 12.2% for the first time on record. Political efforts, including the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and President Trump's coal industry funding, aim to counter renewable energy growth despite solar's rising share. Coal generation remains volatile but shows a slight monthly increase.

The article debunks five common myths about solar energy, specifically addressing claims that solar farms are noisy, toxic, and dangerous. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Mark Gongloff provides the analysis.

US President Donald Trump plans to allocate $700 million through the Defense Production Act to support existing coal-fired power plants, fund two new ones, and build a West Coast export terminal. The move aims to sustain the coal industry despite its decline due to competition from natural gas and solar energy's rapid growth.

The article addresses China's role in the solar energy sector, focusing on its significance as a key player in the industry.

Europe and India experienced deadly heatwaves in May 2026, with record temperatures causing over 100 deaths in southern India and multiple fatalities in the UK and France. Heat-related blackouts and power demand surges were reported in Italy and India, while global energy trends highlighted declining oil investments and reduced solar installations in China.

The US grid is experiencing a return to normal patterns with renewables pushing coal off the grid, despite initial fears of data-center-driven demand surges. Overall demand grew only 1.5 percent in Q1 2026, with solar and hydroelectric production increases offsetting coal usage. Unusual weather conditions, particularly early snowpack melting in the western US, have contributed to the hydroelectric surge.

Chinese solar exports to Africa surged 83% year-on-year in April, driven by global renewable energy demand and China's oversupply of solar panels. Africa's abundant solar potential and energy crisis create significant market opportunities, with South Africa leading as the largest purchaser. The continent's dependence on fossil fuel imports, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, accelerates the shift toward renewable energy adoption.

Pennsylvania ranks 47th in adding renewable energy to its electric grid, with only 5% of electricity from renewables, primarily natural gas. The state lags behind others due to stagnant policies and lack of incentives for solar and wind energy, though solar power has more than doubled in the past two years.

A study published in Nature uses satellite imagery and deep learning to assess solar-wind complementarity strategies in China, aiming to reduce power variability and increase renewable energy penetration. The research enables a data-driven evaluation of national energy inventory and strategies for renewable energy enhancement. This approach can help advance solar and wind energy in China.

European power prices hit record negatives due to a surge in solar energy production. Germany's Werneuchen is highlighted as a location with significant solar panel installations contributing to this trend.

France's power production has fallen to its lowest level since 2013, while solar energy output has seen a significant increase. This shift highlights growing reliance on renewable energy sources despite traditional power generation challenges.

Ukraine is increasingly turning to solar energy as a response to nuclear disaster risks and ongoing security threats from war. The shift represents both a historical awareness of nuclear dangers and a practical energy strategy for communities seeking safer alternatives.

A Gallup poll revealed a decline in public support for wind and solar energy in the U.S., though a majority still favor increasing emphasis on these energy sources. Support for solar energy dropped to 66 percent, while wind energy support fell to 55 percent.

Europe's power markets are experiencing more negative pricing due to surging solar energy production, leading to oversupply and lower demand for conventional energy sources.

Global solar energy growth has reached the largest expansion ever recorded for any energy source, according to a report by Ars Technica. The article highlights unprecedented adoption rates and technological advancements driving this surge.

The article promotes achieving sovereignty through Bitcoin for financial independence, solar energy for energy autonomy, and self-sustaining farms for biological self-reliance. The author emphasizes reducing dependencies to gain freedom, sharing their positive experience living this lifestyle for three years with Starlink connectivity and escaping urban chaos.

The Energy Information Agency (EIA) reported that 2025 marked the first year of solar energy's global dominance, driven by increased production and outpacing carbon-free energy growth. Coupled with battery storage expansion and stable fossil fuel use, the EIA declared the world has entered the 'Age of Electricity,' with electricity demand growing twice as fast as overall energy demand.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that solar energy has surpassed all other energy sources globally for the first time, marking a significant milestone in renewable energy adoption.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled a new climate change plan with goals for solar energy, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and water recycling. The plan aims to enhance sustainability efforts in the city.

A Vietnamese solar startup has raised $15 million in funding during a period of energy market volatility linked to Iran-related geopolitical tensions. The funding round demonstrates investor confidence in renewable energy solutions amid broader energy security concerns in the region.