Tag: San Francisco

  • Electric School Buses Put Batteries To Work To Stabilize Grids

    Electric school buses with bi-directional charging technology, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, are being used to help stabilize the electrical grid during peak demand periods. There are over 6,700 electric school buses deployed in the US, with some batteries exceeding 200 kilowatt-hours. These buses can charge during low demand times and send power back to the grid when demand is high. California is leading the way in V2G school bus technology, with projects in Oakland and San Francisco expected to generate significant amounts of electricity annually. Several states and organizations are investing in V2G infrastructure programs, with partnerships with major utilities like PG&E and Southern California Edison, aiming to utilize electric buses as generators during emergencies and disasters for climate resilience efforts. Regulatory frameworks and standards for V2G technology are still in the early stages.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/04/electric-school-buses-put-batteries-to-work-to-stabilize-grids/

  • 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/