solar power
Coverage of solar power in the Nexus archive.
- In Philippines, solar power becomes ‘practical necessity’ as energy costs soar
Rising electricity costs and frequent blackouts in the Philippines have led businesses like Dream Latte Cafe to adopt solar power as a practical necessity. The cafe, run by Joab Jorge and his mother Ces, has raised prices by 10% to offset higher costs driven by an energy crisis linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February.
- Editorial | Heatwave shows NYC needs to plug into solar power
A severe heatwave in New York City exposed vulnerabilities in the city's electrical infrastructure, prompting Con Edison to manage outages and reduce voltage for thousands of customers. The article highlights Con Edison's $30 billion grid upgrade plan and advocates for expanded solar power adoption to address growing electricity demand and grid resilience.
- In this Brooklyn warehouse, stoves are turned into batteries
Electra Research, a Brooklyn-based startup, is repurposing stoves into batteries to enhance energy storage for the electric grid. The initiative aims to balance renewable energy sources like wind and solar by reducing strain during peak hours.
- Philippines becomes world’s top solar spender amid Middle East energy crisis
The Philippines has become the world’s largest spender on solar panels as rising electricity prices drive households to adopt rooftop solar power. Power distributor Meralco increased rates by 10% following the Middle East conflict, leading to 12% of median household income being spent on electricity for average consumers.
- Can solar power help Cuba survive the US oil blockade?
US restrictions on oil shipments have caused fuel shortages in Cuba, prompting China to support the island's rapid solar energy transition through increased solar panel and battery imports, leading to the construction of new solar parks.
- Border cities bright at night as North Korea goes solar
North Korea's border city Sinuiju is now visibly brighter at night due to solar power, as reported by satellite imagery and eyewitnesses. Experts suggest this shift addresses chronic energy shortages, with areas like Wihwa Island showing increased nighttime illumination.
- Energy Minister unveils plan to source 70% of new power generation from renewables: Wednesday’s mañanera recapped
Energy Minister Luz Elena González announced a plan to add 32,475 megawatts of new power generation capacity by 2030, with 70% from renewables like solar and wind. The government aims for 38% renewable electricity by 2030, highlighting the Rafael Galván Maldonado Solar Farm in Sonora, set to become the largest in the Americas. President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated her 64th birthday during the press conference.
- California solar surged ahead of gas in the first 5 months of 2026
In the first 5 months of 2026, solar power in California generated more electricity than natural gas for the first time, ending the latter's long dominance in the state's energy production. California is highlighted as a climate-conscious region.
- ₹47,000 crore push for Odisha as PM Modi signals strong tribal outreach
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification unit and ₹700 crore rail infrastructure in Odisha, signaling strong tribal outreach. He highlighted eastern India as a gateway to progress and announced the President’s in-laws’ village will be fully powered by solar energy.
- Mexico Throws Open Its Power Grid to Private Renewables
Mexico selected 37 renewable energy projects totaling 7,411 MW, primarily solar and wind, as part of a tender that received over 200 bids worth nearly 38 GW. The initiative uses a mixed funding model to expand private participation in the power grid.
- Analysis: Solar overtakes gas power in Asia for first time ever
Solar power has become Asia's third-largest electricity source, surpassing gas for the first time, driven by rapid growth in China, India, and Pakistan. Annual solar output in Asia increased nearly fourfold since 2020, while gas power output stalled due to supply disruptions and high prices.
- Colombia Launches Clean Energy Auction to Shore Up Its Power Grid
Colombia opened a long-term auction to contract new wind, solar, and battery power with 15-year supply contracts starting in 2030. This is the first auction to include a dedicated category for battery storage.
- Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time
Solar power supplied 12.8% of US electricity in May, surpassing coal's 12.2% for the first time. Despite federal policy favoring coal, solar remains the leading source of new power in the US, with data from Ember, Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie highlighting its growth and coal's decline.
- Solar generates more energy in US than coal for first time
In May, solar power supplied 12.8% of US electricity, surpassing coal's 12.2% for the first time. Reports from Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie highlight solar's growth and coal's decline despite federal policy favoring coal under Donald Trump.
- Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
Solar power in the U.S. supplied more electricity than coal for the first time in May, reaching 12.8% of the nation’s electricity, while coal’s share dropped to 12.2%. Despite federal policies under President Trump favoring coal, solar and wind energy continue to grow, with renewables expected to surpass coal globally by 2030.
- Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
Solar power in the US surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time in May 2026, according to reports by Ember, Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie. Despite federal policies favoring coal under President Trump, solar remains the leading source of new power, with coal's share declining to its fourth-lowest monthly level.
- Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
Solar power is achieving new milestones in the U.S. despite President Donald Trump's efforts to prioritize coal over clean energy. Solar remains the leading source of new power in the country.
- Solar power hits new milestones in the US even as Trump boosts coal over clean energy
Solar power surpassed coal as the third-largest electricity source in the U.S. in May, supplying 12.8% of the nation’s electricity compared to coal’s 12.2%. Despite Trump’s efforts to boost coal with $700 million in support, solar and wind energy continue to grow, driven by reports from Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie.
- Irrigation officials asked to use lands, reservoirs and canal systems to tap solar power
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has requested irrigation department officials to utilize lands, reservoirs, and canal systems for generating solar power. The initiative aims to enable the department to create its own power sources.
- Brazil Cuts Solar Power for First Time as Output Floods Grid
Brazil cut solar power for the first time on June 7, switching off surplus rooftop output as a holiday glut threatened to overload the grid. The action was taken to manage an excess of energy production during a period of high output.
- As hot summer, blackouts loom, Iraq looks to solar power
Iraq has significant solar power potential due to abundant sunlight, which could alleviate its annual summer electricity crisis. However, the government has only recently begun prioritizing solar energy as a solution.
- Analysis: China’s CO2 climbs 2% in early 2026 due to ‘wasted’ wind and solar
China’s CO2 emissions rose 2% in early 2026 due to increased coal and gas use amid a 23% year-on-year rise in wind-power capacity and 33% for solar. The surge in 'wasted' wind and solar output, caused by inflexible coal power management and grid systems, led to a 4% rise in power-sector emissions, despite record renewable energy additions.
- The household battery revolution that could change energy bills … and the world
Australia is pioneering a revolution in home renewables and battery use, leading to a 10% drop in electricity prices in parts of the country. The nation already has solar panels on one in three homes but remains a major fossil fuel exporter. Batteries are now accelerating this energy transition.
- Oto Smart Sprinkler Review (2026): Solar-Powered and Simple to Use
The Oto Smart Sprinkler is a solar-powered device that makes it easy to keep lawns watered with minimal effort. It requires three hours of direct sun daily to stay charged. This product simplifies lawn maintenance.
- After Spain's blackout, its shift to renewables and grid evolution power on
Spain experienced a blackout but is advancing its renewable energy transition with increased solar and wind power, alongside grid modernization efforts to ensure energy security.
- Meta to power its bit barns with energy from space
Meta is developing a space-based solar power system to supply energy to its datacenters and has partnered with an energy storage company to maintain a 100-hour power reserve. This initiative aims to address growing AI demand and ensure uninterrupted operations during grid overloads or outages.
- Solar power soared last year — and it’s not slowing down
Solar power experienced significant growth globally in the past year, outpacing other renewable energy sources. Energy think tank Ember highlighted this trend in its recent analysis of global electricity sources.
- I Have A Small Mining Farm
A user with a small cryptocurrency mining farm consisting of 10 S19 and 1 S21 mining rigs, generating 980 TH/s, is considering solo mining using solar-powered infrastructure with zero operating costs except internet. The setup includes battery backup and aims to assess feasibility and community advice.
- 'Yes to fields of wheat, no to fields of iron': how Denmark soured on solar
Denmark's national elections have led to a shift in solar energy policy, with public support declining despite renewable energy goals. The article discusses growing opposition to solar projects, framed through the metaphor of 'fields of wheat' versus 'fields of iron'.