Markets & Policy
California allows flexible interconnection for distributed solar, storage to avoid grid upgrades
California is the first state to enable distributed solar or storage projects to use flexible interconnection, but the hardware required to flexibly control output may not yet be available. A flexible interconnection option for distributed solar or storage in California that was long in the works has now taken effect. The option will enable projects […]
Startup unveils zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery with energy density of 320 Wh/L
BESSt announced that its new redox flow battery technology delivers 20 times the energy density of conventional vanadium flow storage systems. The battery is based on a zinc–polyiodide redox flow chemistry developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. From ESS News US-based startup BESSt has launched a new redox flow battery technology that reportedly achieves 20 […]
Utilities pump the brakes on climate commitments while giving more gas to fossil fuel
Most utilities failed Sierra Club’s annual report because they are building and maintaining too many fossil fuel plants and too few clean energy projects to keep up with demand. Utilities are backtracking on their climate commitments and giving more gas to fossil fuels, according to Sierra Club’s annual report that evaluates utilities on their transition […]
The era of cookie cutter solar has come to a close. Did it ever start?
Once shorthand for fast, uniform installs, “cookie-cutter solar” is giving way to site-specific, storage-integrated systems. System design has long been a critical point of differentiation for many solar installers, though some prioritize quicker, cheaper installs by relying on more standardized designs. By now, many solar experts agree that the industry has moved beyond that type […]
Corporate buyers are the core engine driving the U.S. renewable energy transition
Corporate buyers have led to the voluntary procurement of over 40% of the total capacity of U.S. solar and wind projects from 2014 to 2024. A report from the Clean Energy Buyers Association shows how corporate procurement drives the renewables market and mitigates project financial distress. Over the past ten years in the United States, […]
With federal policy suppressed and energy affordability at center stage, researchers say states have options
Reversing federal policies will have “severe” impacts on electricity affordability, Resources for the Future says, but states can implement carbon pricing to drive down ratepayers’ energy prices and incentivize more renewable energy development. States that lack clean energy leadership and policies such as renewable energy portfolio standards are expected to see the highest electricity hikes […]
Community solar may have peaked in 2024, said Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie reported a 36% decline year over year for the first half of 2025 and forecasts 12% annual contraction through 2030. After a record year for installations in 2024, community solar dropped 36% year-over-year for the first half of 2025, said a report from Wood Mackenzie and the Coalition for Community Solar Access. The […]
U.S. solar will pass wind in 2025 and leave coal in the dust soon after
Solar and wind represent about 11% to 12% of the energy mix each, while coal sits just under 15%. Developers brought online 16 GW of solar out of a total 21.5 GW electric generation capacity cumulatively added through July in 2025, said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. There is currently about 5 GW more wind […]
EcoFlow unveils Delta 3 Max and Ultra portable power stations
EcoFlow’s well-known Delta 3 portable power station range has been refreshed in North America, with new branding covering a wider range of options. From ESS News EcoFlow has announced a new power station range under its Delta 3 branding, with new products under the Delta 3 Max and Delta 3 Ultra branding, and the re-naming of […]
Madison Energy Infrastructure acquires NextEra Energy’s distributed generation business
The clean energy developer and long-term asset owner acquired NextEra’s portfolio of operating solar and energy storage assets, a pipeline of projects across 25 states and brought in a team of NextEra professionals. Madison Energy Infrastructure, a clean energy project developer and asset owner primarily focused on solar and energy storage, acquired NextEra Energy’s distributed […]