Solar Coverage

'We regret we didn't start it sooner': Solarize the Triangle helping residents switch to solar power

The program, which started in April, aims to make solar energy more affordable for residents in the Triad.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Residents want affordable solar energy for their homes

Residents in the Triangle want to turn to solar energy but are concerned about how affordable it is. But a coalition of cities, towns and counties are discussing ways to make solar energy more affordable.

New planet discovered by University of Georgia researchers using Artificial Intelligence

The exoplanet was uncovered using artificial intelligence.

WCNC

Is home solar power worth it? 5 on Your Side weighs pros and cons.

The solar industry asks for a big investment and promises big returns, but there's little regulation in North Carolina to make sure those promises are kept.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

North Carolina attorney general investigating solar panel provider Pink Energy

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has opened an investigation into solar panel installer Pink Energy. He'll take a closer look at accusations that Pink used high-pressure sales tactics, performed shoddy and substandard work and has failed to honor warranties and respond to customer service requests.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

North Carolina-based Pink Energy closes suddenly amid solar panel problems

Hours after a 5 On Your Side report about disgruntled customers of a solar panel company, the company president emailed all employees to let them know it was shutting down.

Hours after 5 On Your Side report, solar company goes out of business

Hours after a 5 On Your Side report about disgruntled customers of a solar panel company, the company president emailed all employees to let them know it was shutting down.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Solar power failure: NC energy company's feud with manufacturer causes customers to suffer

A North Carolina-based solar energy company promised that its customers would save big on their electric bill, then sold them pricey solar panels that didn't work, customers told WRAL's 5 On Your Side.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

North Carolina solar company lays off 500; CEO blames faulty equipment

A Charlotte area solar company has laid off 500 more workers - months after laying off about 600 employees. Here's why, according to the CEO.

Report: NC is 10th in nation for solar jobs - with gain of 14.3% year-over-year

North Carolina's economy added 871 solar jobs in 2021, a new report found. That's an increase of 14.3%, and the state ranks 10th nationally.

'Solar Mow' lawn care business uses completely solar-powered equipment

Twin brothers in Maine are running a lawn care business using 100 percent electric equipment charged with solar energy.

New NC-based program promotes diversity in emerging field of solar energy

A new North Carolina-based program is boosting diversity in solar energy and its efforts are being felt in Halifax County.

NC-based program highlights diversity in solar energy

A new program is being launched to help promote diversity in the booming business of solar energy.

Solar panels float on lake to power Fort Bragg's Camp Mackall

The ribbon was cut Friday morning at Fort Bragg's Camp Mackall on the largest floating solar plant in the Southeast.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

Solar panel owners could get less for investment under coming rule change

North Carolina is ranked fourth in the US for the amount of solar power we generate, and that's projected to grow by a whopping 60% over the next few years. But a proposal to change the rates for rooftop solar panels could reduce that growth.

Rooftop solar rate changes could cast long shadow over industry, climate change

State regulators are considering a proposal that would make rooftop solar arrays less affordable for homeowners. Several environmental groups are backing the deal, saying worse things are happening across the country.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

Kite-powered boat offers a 'green' way to travel ocean's blue

The eco-friendly kite boat can move at up to 18 miles an hour, with all the electronics inside operating on solar power.

Halifax County solar farm among NC projects helped by USDA grants

From hurricanes to wildfires to flooding downpours, North Carolina has experienced 42 extreme weather events in the last decade that have caused an estimated $50 billion in damages, a federal official said Monday. So, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is spending $141 million in the state to help fight climate change.

USDA investing $141M in 'climate-resistant infrastructure' in NC

From hurricanes to wildfires to flooding downpours, North Carolina has experienced 42 extreme weather events in the last decade that have caused an estimated $50 billion in damages, a federal official said Monday.

Keenan Willard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Solar flare could make for green glow on the horizon Saturday night

The greatest effects of this geomagnetic storm are expected to arrive between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday.

Agreement reached on major NC energy bill

More debate to come, but closed-door negotiations produce an overhauled measure to shape North Carolina energy policy for years to come.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

From 4% to 45%: Biden Sets an Ambitious Blueprint for Solar Energy

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a blueprint showing how the nation could move toward producing almost half of its electricity from the sun by 2050 — a potentially big step toward fighting climate change but one that would require vast upgrades to the electric grid.

Ivan Penn, New York Times

Biden administration says solar energy has the potential to power 40% of US electricity by 2035

A new report from the US Department of Energy shows that solar energy could play a massive role in transitioning the United States' power sector to clean energy.

By Ella Nilsen, CNN

New solar panel project in Halifax County could show future of renewable energy for the state

A new solar panel field in Halifax County is powering more than 1,000 homes in northern North Carolina.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern NC reporter

Major energy bill coming to NC House floor as lawmakers struggle to grasp impact

Legislation would speed retirement of coal-fired energy plants in North Carolina, give Duke Energy much wanted regulator reforms.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter