Category: Solar Energy

First Solar Finds That Forced Labor Was Used in Its Malaysian Ops

The company, First Solar, said an internal review had found that subcontractors used unethical recruitment tactics and withheld pay from workers.
Solar Supply Chain Grows More Opaque Amid Human Rights Concerns

The global industry is cutting some ties to China, but its exposure to forced labor remains high and companies are less transparent, a new report found.
China’s Addiction to Coal Deepens in the Heat

While pledging to reduce carbon emissions, the country is greatly increasing its use of the fossil fuel to generate electricity.
How Europe’s Electric Grid Is Coping With the Heat

Greater energy efficiency and renewables are easing some of the pressure from air-conditioning.
A New Job for Electric Vehicles: Powering Homes During Blackouts

Some energy experts say battery-powered vehicles will increasingly help keep the lights on and support electric grids, rather than straining them.
Facing Brutal Heat, the Texas Electric Grid Has a New Ally: ‌Solar Power

The amount of solar energy generated in Texas has grown exponentially. Some Republicans question the state’s increasing reliance on renewable power.
Energy Tax Credits, Meant to Help U.S. Suppliers, May Be Hard to Get

The Inflation Reduction Act contains tax breaks for solar and wind companies to buy American equipment. Qualifying won’t be easy.
Biden Vetoes Legislation That Would Reinstate Tariffs on Some Solar Panels

President Biden announced a two-year pause on the tariffs last year after importers complained that the penalties would threaten broader adoption of solar energy in the United States.
U.S. Solar Makers Criticize Biden’s Tax Credits as Too Lax on China

U.S.-based manufacturers of solar products say rules issued by the Biden administration on Friday will “cement China’s dominance” over the solar industry
Backup Power: A Growing Need, if You Can Afford It

Extreme weather linked to climate change is causing more blackouts. But generators and batteries are still out of reach of many.
A House That Is as Green as It Gets

A down-to-earth couple in California asked for a structure that was guaranteed to be net-zero energy.
Congress Clashes With Biden Over Tariffs on Illegal Chinese Solar Panels

In a rebuke to the Biden administration, the Senate approved a measure to reinstate tariffs on solar panels found to violate U.S. trade rules.