Over 7 million K-12 students in the US attend solar-powered schools, with institutions in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Illinois saving millions by installing solar panels. Schools like Andover Elementary, Friedman Middle School, and McHenry High School are reducing energy costs and saving money through rooftop solar systems. Harlem Consolidated School District is funding student scholarships with a community solar project, while Sonoma State University and the University of Arkansas are seeing savings from solar energy. Both universities have installed solar panels on their parking lots, providing shade for cars and focusing on sustainability and cost savings through renewable energy solutions.
Author: Cleantechnica
-
REPORT: U.S. Adds 20 GWh of Energy Storage Capacity in Q2, Largest Quarter on Record
The U.S. energy storage industry has experienced significant growth in the first 18 months of the Trump administration, with utility-scale energy storage capacity nearly doubling and demand outpacing expectations. States like Arizona, Texas, and Utah are leading in new storage installations, with Arizona pairing solar resources with storage to meet rising demand and lower electricity costs. Battery energy storage is crucial for supporting grid reliability, especially during extreme heat periods in states like Texas and California. Additionally, the U.S. has set domestic manufacturing records with new battery cell and module facilities, ensuring more batteries are made in the United States. SEIA, the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, is advocating for policies that create jobs and promote competition in the solar industry, with a focus on transitioning to a clean energy economy.
-
From Tony Stark to Obi Wan Kenobi: Meet 4 (of 7) West Gate Fellows and Their Technologies
The National Laboratory of the Rockies has welcomed seven new West Gate fellows, including Boris Chubukov of Big Blue Technologies Inc., who is focused on making magnesium production affordable in the U.S. The fellows are working on innovative solutions to reduce dependence on foreign supplies, such as creating magnesium and cement domestically. Another company, GeoKiln, is developing a new approach to hydrogen production using the Earth's geology. Additionally, Last Wave Energy is revolutionizing battery technology by creating ultralight batteries with up to 95% less inactive material. Orva Energy is working on sodium-ion batteries as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with the goal of addressing energy challenges and creating jobs.
-
Stranded Asset, What Happens When A Gas Car Becomes Worth Less Than Zero As Transportation?
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in countries like Norway and China is leading to a decrease in the residual value of gasoline and diesel cars, with the author predicting that the US will follow suit within five years. Owners of gas cars are advised to consider the cost savings of switching to a used EV, while car manufacturers are urged to transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The importance of considering the total cost of ownership when deciding between a gasoline car and an EV is emphasized, especially as EV prices continue to decrease. The article highlights the need for multiple factors to align for successful electric vehicle adoption in the US by 2031.
-
Hyundai Bets Big On Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
EREVs, or extended-range electric vehicles, are gaining popularity in China and now Hyundai is entering the US market with models like the Santa Fe and Genesis offering a combined range of over 600 miles. China requires EREVs to have a battery-only range of at least 62 miles to qualify for incentives. Hyundai also plans to introduce 10 new conventional hybrid models in the US by 2030, aiming for them to make up half of its total sales. Despite the environmental benefits of electric cars, consumer range anxiety remains a barrier to adoption, highlighting the need to address climate change while considering consumer preferences in the automotive industry.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/30/hyundai-bets-big-on-extended-range-electric-vehicles/
-
Lexington-Fayette County Solar Zoning Amendment Critical to Achieving Climate Goals and Lowering Costs
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is considering a zoning ordinance text amendment to open up one percent of Fayette County for large-scale solar development, focusing on agrivoltaic projects to reduce emissions and reach net-zero by 2050. This initiative is part of Lexington's Race to Net Zero plan and Fayette County's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. With over 90% of Kentucky's energy coming from fossil fuels, the proposed solar projects aim to generate as much power as over 30,000 smaller rooftop solar installations, moving the region towards a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
-
Energy Storage Is Strengthening Reliability. These 5 States Are Leading the Charge.
States like California, Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Texas are leading the way in energy storage deployment to meet rising electricity demand, strengthen grid reliability, and deliver affordable power. California has surpassed its energy storage targets with over 21,000 MW of capacity, reducing peak generation demands. Nevada has already exceeded its 2030 energy storage goal, while Illinois is aiming for 3,000 MW by 2030 through the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. Virginia, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Texas are also expanding energy storage targets and investing in solutions to keep the grid reliable and power affordable for ratepayers. These states serve as examples for policymakers looking to build a more reliable grid through energy storage.
-
For Lagging Automakers: Stop Pouring Money Into The Wrong Powertrains
Legacy automakers like Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford, and Nissan are urged to prioritize investing in electrification and focus on building competitive battery-electric vehicles or partnering for necessary technology to remain competitive in the market. The article suggests reducing spending on traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in favor of series hybrids/extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) as a better bridge technology. Companies that heavily invest in traditional powertrains may face overcapacity and declining business, while those that concentrate on strong battery-electric vehicles and well-executed series hybrids are more likely to succeed in the evolving auto industry. China's success with EREVs and the availability of purpose-built solutions like the C15 range-extender module offer opportunities for Western companies to adopt more efficient driving experiences with longer electric range.
-
Another New Solar Factory Rises In A Deep Red US State
Translucent Energy, a solar manufacturer, has expanded its portfolio with a new 1.3-gigawatt solar factory in South Carolina, aiming to boost the state's solar industry and focus on markets outside of the state. The company's stakeholders are pleased with President Trump's proclamation to limit imports of polysilicon, incentivizing domestic production. Translucent also offers transportable microgrid systems like TAU for rural electrification and emergency relief, as well as EV charging stations like EV-E for efficient operation. The US solar industry is experiencing growth and opportunities for companies like Translucent to enter the market with customized solutions for fleets and developers.
-
Heart Aerospace Just Flew The Aviation Transition Investors Should Be Putting Billions Into
Heart Aerospace's X1 battery-electric aircraft recently completed a 27-minute flight, marking a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation for regional markets. While challenges remain in terms of certification and manufacturing, this achievement demonstrates progress towards sustainable aviation solutions. The focus on regional electric and hybrid aircraft is considered a more feasible option compared to urban air taxis or hydrogen-powered planes. To support the transition to cleaner aviation, aviation capital should prioritize resolving uncertainties around battery mass, range, durability, charging, and economics. The shift towards batteries and hybrid-electric aircraft for smaller planes and shorter routes highlights the importance of sustainable biofuels for longer routes, emphasizing the need for a lower-carbon aviation system. Engineering efforts like Heart's X1 are contributing to a more sustainable aviation market, with the next investment cycle needing to address uncertainties to facilitate the transition.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/22/heart-aerospace-x1-electric-aviation-transition/