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Solar panel

Solar panels

Jobs in solar energy fall for the first time in seven years

Technology

Until last year, solar energy experienced huge growth in job creation. But 2017 saw about a 4 percent decline in solar jobs, with installers taking the biggest hit.

Technician Alexis Portalatin stands next to rooftop solar panels he is connecting to a new Tesla battery storage system the San Juan suburb of Guaynabo. The storage system will allow the panels to operate separately from the power grid and supply electric

Hurricanes blew away Puerto Rico’s power grid. Now solar power is rising to fill the void.

Economics

Solar power booming in the United States

Environment
Attendees take pictures of the new Tesla Energy Powerwall Home Battery during an event at Tesla Motors in Hawthorne, California, on April 30, 2015.

If Tesla’s new solar power batteries are as good as its cars, they could be a game changer

Environment
A solar panel on top of the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. The battle over solar energy in the state has had national implications for the Tea Party.

The ‘green’ Tea Party fights for a more environmentally friendly GOP

Environment
A solar panel produced at SolarWorld, America's largest manufacturer.

US solar panel manufacturers get a gift from the US military

Business, Economics and Jobs

The Pentagon has made it clear that its “Buy American” policy will be in effect for solar panels — which means Chinese-made solar panels are no longer acceptable for US military installation in the US and abroad.

Solar-powered car now comes in family size

Environment

A team of students at a Dutch university have created what they believe to be the first functioning solar-powered car with room for four passengers. Though production may be years away, the team hopes to have the vehicle street-legal as soon as possible.

Solar powered ocean-going boat makes pitstop in Boston

Environment

The MS Tûranor is on a voyage around the world, powered only by the sun. Thanks to batteries and a whole lot of solar panels, the ship can sail through day and night, storms and open ocean without any trouble. The boat is currently on a scientific expedition, examining the Gulf Stream.

Farmers in Pennsylvania taking proceeds from fracking and investing in solar

Environment

Farmers around Pennsylvania, and indeed around the country are increasingly taking the money they make opening their land up to fracking and investing in renewable energy. Specifically, a number of farmers have chosen to plow their windfall into solar panels.

Recent solar panel adopter sees success in eliminating electric bill

Environment

Helen Palmer installed solar panels on the roof of her home in 2012. And since then, basically, she hasn’t seen an electric bill. In fact, when last she checked, she had a credit of nearly $43 on her bill. She hasn’t paid off her initial investment, but she’s making progress.