In May 2026, solar power in the US surpassed coal power in electricity generation for the first time ever, with solar providing 12.8% of the total compared to coal's 12.2%. This marks a significant milestone in the transition towards renewable energy sources, with coal generation declining by 11% year over year. Solar power has been steadily rising and setting new records, becoming the third-largest source of electricity in the US behind gas and nuclear. The shift towards renewable energy sources is evident in the significant growth of solar power over the past five years, highlighting the progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in the US, with markets from Texas to California investing in solar to meet growing power needs, and in ERCOT, electricity generation from solar is projected to exceed coal for the first time in 2026. This shift towards solar energy is a significant development in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Author: Cleantechnica
-
Agrivoltaics Gets A Huge Thumbs-Up With Bipartisan Support
Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining crops with solar panels, is gaining traction in Virginia with the introduction of legislation such as SB 340/HB 508 to support and accelerate this transition. The bill defines agrivoltaics as co-locating agricultural production and solar energy generation, emphasizing the need for projects to complement existing farm businesses. Supported by the PEC and passed with bipartisan support, the legislation also promotes on-farm energy storage and virtual power plants to enable farmers to collaborate with local utilities. The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows serves as a model for small-scale, distributed generation and storage opportunities, showcasing the benefits of crop-based agrivoltaics systems in achieving energy independence and sustainability.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/18/agrivoltaics-virginia-solar-energy-storage-conserve-farmland/
-
Solar With Firming Now Beating Gas In Asia, & EVs Could Save Region $350 Billion A Year
A new report highlights the potential for Asia to save $350 billion annually on oil imports by electrifying its fleets, with China leading the way in plugin vehicle sales. The importance of switching to electric transport to reduce oil import dependence is emphasized, alongside the increasing use of solar and wind power in the region. Solar plus batteries are shown to outcompete LNG on price across Asia, with the cost of round-the-clock solar-plus-battery power now below $100/MWh in most areas. This shift to clean energy will not only keep money within Asian economies but also reduce pollution and health problems, emphasizing the rapid deployment of electrotech as a climate solution.
-
Hydropower Trips Up Trump’s Fossil Fuel Fantasy
The completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project in New York City in 2022 has connected ratepayers with clean hydropower resources in Quebec, reducing carbon emissions by 3.9 million metric tons per year and powering 1 million homes with renewable energy. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the project's completion, solidifying New York's position as a climate and clean energy leader and pushing gas power plants out of operation. The project showcases Hitachi Energy's HVDC Light technology, repurposes former fossil energy sites, and brings economic investments and job opportunities to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, a new report from the Department of Energy highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery energy storage systems in improving hydropower facilities, further contributing to the energy transition in East Coast states. President Trump's support for hydropower projects, despite his opposition to other clean energy sources, is noted.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/17/hydropower-transmission-new-york-energy-policy/
-
EVs Will Come Roaring Back, Rivian Edition
Rivian, a US startup, is making strides in the electric vehicle market by producing premium 100% battery-powered vehicles and announcing more affordable models to cater to a new wave of EV buyers. Their partnership with ChargeScape allows their EVs to serve as grid energy storage units, providing easier access to utility-based savings plans. With the expanding EV charging infrastructure and mainstreaming of vehicle-to-grid technology, Rivian's large battery capacity makes their EVs valuable assets for utilities. Despite potential changes in Georgia's electrification movement post-election, Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a new factory in Georgia with federal support, positioning themselves as key players in the climate solutions space.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/16/rivian-evs-us-plans-v2g-discounts-new-factory-georgia/
-
BMW Reaches 2 Million Electric Vehicles, Focusing More & More On Smart Home Technology
BMW Group has reached a milestone by producing its 2 millionth fully electric vehicle, a BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan, at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. The factory now builds three electric BMW models and is expanding a partnership with SOLARWATT to integrate bidirectional charging, solar, and home energy storage for their vehicles. The market launch for this integration is planned for late 2026 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
-
Solar Energy Is Essential (Trump Just Won’t Admit It)
Solar energy is recognized as the fastest and most economical way to increase kilowatts in the grid, with the US Air Force supporting the space solar industry. Germanium-based solar modules have set a new world record for solar conversion efficiency, but there is a shortage of germanium in the US. The Department of War has awarded $18.1 million to a domestic producer to address the germanium shortfall for defense applications. The US Air Force sees solar energy as a next-level logistics improvement over fossil fuels, with plans to deploy space-based systems to harvest solar energy in orbit and beam it down to Earth. Private sector stakeholders are working towards demonstrating space-based solar technology within the next 10 years. Research is being conducted by the USAF on space solar energy delivery to Earth, with a focus on fuel resupply in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, titled PERSEUS, aims to provide clean energy anywhere on Earth in the early 2030s. The technology could be used for defense applications once deployed, offering a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Solar energy demand is also increasing on Earth, with the US solar industry dominating new utility-scale capacity additions to the nation's grid. Additionally, the US defense supplier York Space Systems has acquired the space solar startup Solestial to secure a domestic source for critical space solar capability. Solestial is preparing to produce new solar cells in the United States after acquiring manufacturing equipment from Meyer Burger. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain control with this strategic move. Solestial's focus is on in-space applications for its self-healing silicon solar technology. The US Air Force recognizes the importance of solar energy for national defense, potentially replacing fuel resupply missions for ground operations.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/space-solar-energy-us-air-force-essential/
-
World Record Set For Silicon Solar Module With Perovskite
Persistent innovation in the global solar industry has led to new efficiency records being set for solar modules made with triple III-V germanium cells and tandem perovskite-silicon cells. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany reported a record 34.2% conversion efficiency for a module made of triple III-V germanium cells, achieved through a new technique connecting cells directly to each other. Chinese firm Trinasolar also set a world record with a 29.2% conversion efficiency for its tandem perovskite-silicon solar module. California-based Tandem PV is making strides in the field as well, with their perovskite-silicon solar panels reaching 29.7% efficiency. The market is demanding higher performance and domestic capability in solar energy solutions, with companies like Tandem launching demonstration factories to produce high-power density, durable, and cost-effective solar panels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/world-record-solar-efficiency-perovsite-silicon-trinasolar/
-
$7,000 for Rooftop Solar Permitting!? Time to Automate It
Lawmakers in New York are pushing for automated permitting of rooftop solar power systems through SolarAPP+, a platform developed by the US government and the solar industry. This app-based system aims to streamline the permitting process, saving money and supporting the solar industry. The New York legislation would require municipalities with over 5,000 residents to implement automated solar permitting by June 30, 2027. The barriers to residential solar adoption in the US, such as slow and complex permitting processes, can add significant costs to installations. Kingston, New York, is highlighted as a leader in embracing automated permitting for residential solar, with the hope that other states will follow suit to continue growing SolarAPP+ adoption.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/7000-for-rooftop-solar-permitting-time-to-automate-it/
-
Fraunhofer Wants Solar Cells On Vehicles — To Help The Grid
Fraunhofer ISE and the European research project SolarMoves are promoting the integration of solar cells into vehicles in Central and Southern Europe to reduce strain on the power grid and decarbonize the transportation sector. Companies like Sono Motors and Lightyear are exploring the production of solar-powered vehicles, which could generate up to 55-80% of their energy needs through Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics. Additionally, integrating solar panels on delivery vans, trucks, and trailers can significantly reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, with solar modules extending the range of electric trucks by up to 15 percent. The logistics sector stands to benefit greatly from the implementation of solar panels on vehicles with large roof spaces, as the investment costs could pay for themselves in less than two years for diesel trucks.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/13/fraunhofer-wants-solar-cells-on-vehicles-to-help-the-grid/