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Solar power

Going solar isn't always sunshine and rainbows

by Kai Ryssdal , Sarah Leeson and Sofia Terenzio
Oct 13, 2023
For the early adopters of rooftop solar panels, maintaining and repairing faulty panels is a costly challenge of its own.
Many solar panel companies have gone out of business, making it hard for early adopters to repair faulty panels.
adamkaz / Getty Images
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Solar a bright spot in slow progress toward U.S. renewable energy goals

by Samantha Fields
Aug 30, 2023
Shipments of solar panels reached a record high last year, though most were imported. They're also getting cheaper.
Solar is projected to grow even more in the next couple of years, largely because of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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In the California desert, old EV batteries now store solar power

by Caleigh Wells
Jul 14, 2023
It's a small market so far, but using the excess supply of used batteries could help meet the high demand for stored clean energy.
Used electric vehicle batteries are pulled out of cars and plugged into systems in these trailers to begin their second careers as clean energy storage devices.
Caleigh Wells for Marketplace
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The Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than 1 million wind and solar jobs by 2035

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jun 12, 2023
How to staff up the slew of renewable energy projects ushered in under the legislation is a pressing question within the industry.
As renewable energy projects get underway, new jobs will be created in construction and especially in manufacturing. Above, wind turbine blades in New Mexico.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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Growth of solar energy and battery capacity yields sunny forecast for the industry

by Samantha Fields
Feb 6, 2023
The federal Energy Information Administration predicts that more than half of the new capacity added to the electric grid this year will be solar.
"Now, there's more incentive and more availability of locations to build new solar projects," an Energy Department spokesman said.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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U.S. industry group commits to $6 billion solar panel buy — on one condition

by Andy Uhler
Jun 22, 2022
(They'll have to be made here in America.)
U.S. companies know how to build solar panels. Sourcing the inputs will take time.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
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Biden moves to restore stability of U.S. solar industry

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Jun 7, 2022
The president also ruled out solar tariffs for two years on several Asian countries the U.S. imports solar panels from.
Chinese workers producing parts for solar panels. The U.S. has been investigating whether Southeast Asian nations have been laundering Chinese panels, which carry U.S. import tariffs.
STR/AFP via Getty Images
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A Warmer World

It should be a golden moment for renewable energy. It's not.

by Matt Levin
Apr 22, 2022
Solar, wind and nuclear energy confront old and new obstacles to competing with fossil fuels.
The trade war between the U.S. and China is causing solar projects to get delayed or canceled. 
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Debate over solar-equipment tariffs heats up

by Andy Uhler
Nov 5, 2021
Some say keeping Trump-era levies on foreign-made panels and cells will help the U.S. meet Biden's domestic goals for renewable energy.
Solar-panel production in the U.S. has tripled since Trump-era tariffs were imposed, but imports still make up 85% of sales.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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Renewable energy startup aims to help Texans lower electric bills

by Katie Watkins
Aug 24, 2021
Households with less disposable income often pay higher rates. Energy Well Texas is addressing that as well as emergency preparedness.
Antonio Martinez shows how the solar-powered backup battery works. Energy Well Texas wants to help residents save money on electric power and stay safe during emergencies.
Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media
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