Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: California

  • New Records Set in the Renewable Energy Marathon

    Renewable energy is leading the way in global energy supply growth, with solar being the largest contributor in 2025. The world installed a record amount of wind and solar in 2025, with projections showing that solar, wind, and energy storage will make up the majority of new energy capacity in the coming years. This shift towards clean energy is expected to continue, phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The increase in wind generation is breaking records in California and other regions, showing the potential for continued growth in wind power. The growth of renewables is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

    https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/new-records-set-in-the-renewable-energy-marathon/

  • Environmental News Network – New Method to Raise Investment Funds for Projects that Restore Coastal Wetlands for Climate Adaptation

    The Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to develop a new tool for funding wetland conservation and restoration projects through verifiable "Coastal Resilience Assets." These assets are based on the storm and flood protection benefits provided by wetlands, such as mangroves and marshes, which play a crucial role in reducing storm damages and providing flood protection. This innovative method creates investment opportunities for nature-based adaptation projects that help reduce climate risk to people and nature, offering a promising solution for climate experts seeking effective strategies for coastal resilience.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77954-new-method-to-raise-investment-funds-for-projects-that-restore-coastal-wetlands-for-climate-adaptation

  • California’s water crisis could turn farmland into massive solar field

    The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is planning to repurpose water-starved farmland into a massive solar-and-battery network through the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, aiming to add 21 gigawatts of solar and battery capacity across 136,000 acres. This project, the largest of its kind globally, will help address the water crisis, lower energy costs for farmers, and comply with new state groundwater limits. By selling solar power through the California grid, the district hopes to reduce energy costs for farmers and keep farming viable, while also providing clean electricity to the state. This innovative solution not only helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions but also mitigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the region.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/california/2026/04/27/westlands-solar-plan-fallowed-farmland-san-joaquin-valley/89780561007/

  • Are long-promised solar perovskites finally hitting mass production?

    Perovskites have the potential to significantly improve solar panel efficiency by absorbing more light than conventional silicon cells. Startup Tandem PV is working to bring this technology to commercial manufacturing with a new factory in California, aiming to increase energy production by one-third in the same physical space as regular solar panels. Their innovative approach involves using a smaller lab to test and refine their perovskite formula before scaling up production, with plans to start producing full-size panels in 2028 pending successful real-world testing. The production process of perovskite solar panels involves depositing layers of chemicals on glass, crystallizing the perovskites, and adding additional layers for electron transport and protection, all done in a highly automated manner for faster and more precise manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to produce panels that outperform those created in the lab, offering a promising solution for more efficient and sustainable energy production.

    https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/perovskites-mass-production-tandem-fremont

  • California powers its massive water pumps with 105 solar project

    California has successfully launched the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project in Kern County to power the Edmonston Pumping Plant, a key water supply infrastructure for Southern California. Equipped with tracking technology, this project is the largest renewable energy procurement in the history of the State Water Project. By utilizing renewable energy, officials hope to stabilize water delivery costs and move towards carbon neutrality by 2035. The project also incorporates a natural gas facility and a battery storage system, and was completed with union labor, showcasing the integration of climate goals with local economic development.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/20/california-powers-its-massive-water-pumps-with-105-solar-project/

  • Largest US renewable project begins generating electricity

    The largest renewable energy project in the US, SunZia Wind, has begun generating electricity with 916 turbines in New Mexico. The 3.5-gigawatt wind development will deliver power to California over a 550-mile transmission line, crucial for meeting the state's clean energy goals. Despite facing delays and opposition, the project is seen as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting energy demands. SunZia's integration into the grid is helping to retire polluting natural gas plants in environmental justice communities and increase renewable energy generation, surpassing other major wind projects in the US in terms of size and operational progress.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/largest-us-renewable-project-begins-generating-electricity/

  • Distributed batteries get legislative, utility lift in California

    Ava Community Energy launched a $11.25 million incentive program in California for residential customers to install solar and battery storage systems, allowing customers to share up to 80% of their home batteries. The program offers rebates for both income-qualified and non-income qualified customers, aiming to make electrification more affordable and maintain grid stability. California legislators are advancing a bill to update state resource adequacy rules to include distributed energy devices like residential batteries and electric vehicles, with monthly participation payments provided to customers who participate. Despite funding cuts for the Demand Side Grid Support program, a successful large battery-based virtual power plant, changes will not impact the SmartHome Battery program.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/distributed-batteries-get-legislative-utility-lift-in-california/817466/

  • California ocean wind power that floats is forcing engineering firsts

    California is moving forward with plans for offshore wind development in Humboldt Bay, with hopes of reaching 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045. The project involves the construction of floating turbines in deep waters off the coast, with challenges such as objections from local residents and opposition from the Trump administration. The state is focusing on onshore preparations and seeking partnerships with the federal government and private sector to secure funding for the project. Concerns about potential harm to the ecosystem and impacts on local communities are being debated, highlighting the need to balance the benefits of clean energy with the protection of cultural and natural resources in the area.

    https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-04-09/california-ocean-wind-power-that-floats-is-forcing-engineering-firsts

  • Merino Energy Comes Out Of Stealth With $3,800 Heat Pump System

    Merino Energy, a climate hardware company based in San Francisco, has launched the Merino Mono, a professional-grade home heat pump solution priced at $3,800 including installation. The system delivers 7,500 BTU of capacity for spaces up to 350 square feet, rivaling conventional mini-splits without the need for infrastructure. Designed to address barriers to widespread heat pump adoption, the Merino Mono can be installed in under an hour by certified technicians, offering a more accessible and efficient solution for households without outdoor space or electrical capacity for traditional systems. With a focus on customer and installer convenience, the transparent flat-rate pricing and quick installation process aim to increase proposal acceptance and expand installer capacity, crucial for home electrification goals such as California's aim for 6 million heat pump installations by 2030.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/10/merino-energy-comes-out-of-stealth-with-3800-heat-pump-system/

  • Balcony Solar Is Here, And It’s Not Just For Balconies

    Lawmakers in states like Utah, Virginia, and Maine are introducing legislation to promote the use of balcony solar panels, which plug into household outlets and reduce electricity usage from the grid. The movement has faced hurdles in the US due to utility and landlord restrictions, safety concerns, and aging housing stock, but efforts are being made to address these issues. In Maine, where electricity rates have increased by 68% over the past five years, the potential benefits of balcony solar systems are being highlighted. Non-profit organization Bright Saver is advocating for balcony solar in the US, with kits already available in California, and supermarket chain Lidl is planning to carry plug-in solar panels at its UK stores. The Biden-era federal tax credits for household renewable energy improvements are seen as a helpful incentive for investing in solar energy. Companies are establishing a presence in solar-friendly states on the East Coast, using balcony solar kits to generate clean electricity and reduce monthly utility bills.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/balcony-solar-is-here-and-its-not-just-for-balconies/