Connect with us

Published

on

Drazen_ | E+ | Getty Images

Swedish energy firm Vattenfall has been given a permit to build a project in the Netherlands that plans to combine solar power with farming, in the latest example of how renewables and agriculture can potentially dovetail with one another. 

In a statement earlier this week Annemarie Schouten, Vattenfall’s head of solar development for the Netherlands, explained how the project would “alternate rows of panels with strips where various crops are grown for organic farming.”

The pilot, known as Symbizon, is slated to last four years and be located in Almere, to the east of Amsterdam. Funding has come from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Schouten said that double-sided solar panels would be used in order to ensure “sufficient light yield.” Such a setup would also enable the panels to “catch the reflected light from the soil, the crops and the adjacent rows and use it to produce solar energy.”

While plans have taken a step forward, Vattenfall has yet to confirm if the project will actually progress. A decision on this is expected by the end of 2021. If it does get the green light, construction work will start in 2022. 

A wide range of stakeholders are set to be involved if the scheme is fully realized. These include independent research organization TNO, which would develop a “solar tracking algorithm” to track energy and crop yields, among other things.

The idea of deploying solar panels on farmland has been around for many years. One strand of this is called agrivoltaics, which also goes by the name of agrophotovoltaics.

According to Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, agrivoltaics “enables the dual use of land for harvesting agriculture and solar energy.”

The idea behind the concept traces its roots back to the early 1980s and is attributed to Adolf Goetzberger, founder of Fraunhofer ISE, and his colleague Armin Zastrow.

According to the Institute, agrivoltaic installations grew from around 5 megawatts in 2012 to approximately 2.9 gigawatts in 2018.

Solar panels can also be used to help those working in agriculture with their day-to-day activities. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, for instance, has noted that “solar technologies are becoming a viable option for both large and small-scale farmers.”

In 2020, CNBC’s “Sustainable Energy” reported on how one Zimbabwe based farmer, Cheneso Ndlovu, was using solar tech to help her grow produce.  

“We do gardening using a solar powered borehole for watering,” she said.

“We planted tomatoes on a small patch we were watering and we realized it was thriving, so we decided to grow other vegetables,” she added. “We use the water for other domestic needs like washing.”

Continue Reading

Environment

FERC: Solar + wind made up 91% of new US power generating capacity in H1 2025

Published

on

By

FERC: Solar + wind made up 91% of new US power generating capacity in H1 2025

Solar and wind accounted for 91% of new US electrical generating capacity added in the H1 2025, according to data just released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which was reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign of data. In June, solar alone provided 82% of new capacity, making it the 22nd consecutive month solar held the lead among all energy sources.

Solar’s new generating capacity in June 2025 and YTD

In its latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report (with data through June 30, 2025), FERC says 63 “units” of solar totaling 2,439 megawatts (MW) were placed into service in June, accounting for over 81.5% of all new generating capacity added during the month.

The 14,567 MW of utility-scale (>1 MW) solar added during the first six months of 2025 was 74.9% of the total new capacity placed into service by all sources.

Solar has now been the largest source of new generating capacity added each month for 22 consecutive months: September 2023–June 2025. During that period, total utility-scale solar capacity grew from 91.82 gigawatts (GW) to 151.73 GW. No other energy source added anything close to that amount of new capacity. Wind, for example, expanded by 10.53 GW while natural gas increased by just 2.73 GW.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Solar, wind + biomass were over 91% of new capacity added in H1 2025

Between January and June, new wind has provided 3,139 MW of capacity additions – nearly doubling the new capacity provided by natural gas (1,727 MW). Wind accounted for 16.1% of all new capacity added during the first six months of 2025.

In H1 2025, solar and wind (plus 3 MW of biomass) were 91.04% of new capacity, while natural gas provided just 8.88%; the balance came from oil (14 MW).

Solar + wind are 23.17% of US utility-scale generating capacity

Utility-scale solar’s share of total installed capacity (11.34%) is now nearly equal to wind (11.83%). Taken together, they account for 23.17% of the US’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity.

Moreover, at least 25-30% of US solar capacity is in the form of small-scale (e.g., rooftop) systems that are not reflected in FERC’s data. Including that additional solar capacity would bring the share provided by solar + wind to more than a quarter of the US total.

With the inclusion of hydropower (7.62%), biomass (1.07%), and geothermal (0.31%), renewables currently claim a 32.17% share of total US utility-scale generating capacity. If small-scale solar capacity is included, renewables are now about one-third of total US generating capacity.

Solar is on track to become No. 2 source of US generating capacity

FERC reports that net “high probability” additions of solar between July 2025 and June 2028 total 92,660 MW – an amount more than four times the forecast net “high probability” additions for wind (23,136 MW), the second fastest growing resource. Notably, FERC’s most recent three-year forecasts for growth by both solar and wind are the highest they have been thus far in 2025.

FERC also foresees net growth for hydropower (583 MW) and geothermal (92 MW) but a decrease of 131 MW in biomass capacity.

Taken together, the net new “high probability” capacity additions by all renewable energy sources over the next three years – the bulk of the Trump Administration’s remaining time in office – would total 116,340 MW.  

There is no new nuclear capacity in FERC’s three-year forecast while coal and oil are projected to contract by 25,017 MW and 1,572 MW, respectively. Natural gas capacity would expand by 8,748 MW.

Adjusting for the different capacity factors of gas (59.7%), wind (34.3%), and utility-scale solar (23.4%), electricity generated by the projected new solar capacity to be added in the coming three years would be more than four times greater than that produced by the new natural gas capacity, while the electrical output by the new wind capacity would be 52% more than that by gas.

If FERC’s current “high probability” additions materialize, by July 1, 2028, solar will account for 17.1% of the US’s installed utility-scale generating capacity. Wind would provide an additional 12.6% of the total. Thus, each would be greater than coal (12.1%) and substantially more than either nuclear power or hydropower (7.3% and 7.1%, respectively).

Assuming current growth rates continue, the installed capacity of utility-scale solar is likely to surpass that of wind capacity this year and exceed that of coal by the end of next year. Installed solar capacity is already almost 50% greater than that of nuclear power. Thus, within two years, solar should be in second place for installed generating capacity, behind only natural gas.

Renewables may overtake natural gas within 3 years

The mix of all utility-scale renewables is now adding about two percentage points each year to its share of generating capacity. At that pace, by July 1, 2028, renewables would account for 38.1% of total available installed utility-scale generating capacity, rapidly closing the gap with natural gas (40.0%). Solar and wind would constitute more than three-quarters of the installed capacity of renewable sources. If those trendlines continue, utility-scale renewable energy capacity should surpass that of natural gas in 2029 or sooner.

However, as noted, FERC’s data do not account for the capacity of small-scale solar systems. If that’s factored in, within three years, total US solar capacity (i.e., small-scale plus utility-scale) could approach 350 GW. In turn, the mix of all renewables would be about 40% of total installed capacity or more, while natural gas’s share would drop to about 38%.

Moreover, FERC reports that there may actually be as much as 230,770 MW of net new solar additions in the current three-year pipeline in addition to 68,627 MW of new wind, 7,923 MW of new hydropower, 202 MW of new geothermal, and 27 MW of new biomass. By contrast, the net new natural gas capacity in the three-year pipeline potentially totals just 30,251 MW. Consequently, renewables’ share could be even greater by early summer 2028.

Renewables increase and fossil fuels shrink

A year ago, the mix of all renewables accounted for 29.95% of total generating capacity. Solar alone was 8.99% while wind was 11.75%. Over 12 months (by the end of June 2025), renewables’ share had risen to 32.17% with solar at 11.34% and wind at 11.83%.

Natural gas’s share slipped from 43.32% to 42.34% as coal fell from 15.76% to 14.82% and oil dropped from 2.77% to 2.71%. Similarly, nuclear power’s share of generating capacity decreased from 8.04% to 7.80%.  

“Notwithstanding the hostility toward solar and wind shown by the Trump administration and its Republican supporters in Congress, both technologies are moving full speed ahead,” noted the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director, Ken Bossong. “In fact, FERC’s latest data suggest growth by renewables may actually be accelerating.” 

Electrek’s Take

The New York Times reported today that the White House now has Secretary of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr, involved in trying to obliterate offshore wind power. The Health and Human Services Department has been instructed to study whether wind turbines emit electromagnetic fields that could harm human health. (While he’s at it, maybe he could check out fossil fuels and their harm to human health. Oh wait, that’s already been done.)

This is in addition to the nonsense from the Department of the Interior that temporarily stopped work on New York’s Empire Wind – it never could justify that costly and senseless action – and the Department of Defense’s “national security threat” that’s currently being cited as the reason for putting the 80% complete Revolution Wind out of commission.

Imagine being a president who harms their own people based on nothing more than whims and quirks, and justifying it with ridiculous lies. Except you don’t have to imagine it – your rising electricity bill will be proof enough that it’s real.

Read more: EIA: Solar and wind leave coal in the dust with record 2025 output


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The Honda Prologue outsold the Odyssey and Passport last month, thanks to big savings

Published

on

By

The Honda Prologue outsold the Odyssey and Passport last month, thanks to big savings

The Honda Prologue quietly outsold much of the competition last month after sales surged 80% from last August. With over 9,300 models sold in August, the Honda Prologue is coming off its best sales month yet.

Honda Prologue had its best sales month in August

Honda’s electric SUV is one of the most popular electric vehicles in the US. After delivering the first models last March, the Honda Prologue quickly became a surprise hit.

In the second half of the year, it was the second-best-selling electric SUV behind the Tesla Model Y. The Cinderella story continued in August after Honda sold a record 9,347 Prologues, its best sales month so far.

Honda sold more Prologues last month than the Odyssey (6,690) and Passport (5,173). It also outsold most EVs in the US.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Despite setting its own monthly sales record, the Prologue outsold Ford’s Mustang Mach-E. Ford reported earlier today that Mach-E sales hit a record 7,226 in August. Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5 had a breakout month with 7,773 units sold, up 61% from last August.

Honda-Prologue-best-sales
2025 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda has now sold nearly 32,000 Prologue models through the first eight months of the year. The Mach-E remains ahead on the year with 34,319 units sold, followed by the IONIQ 5 at nearly 32,700.

Although GM doesn’t provide a breakdown, the company said it sold a record 21,000 EVs between the Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands.

Honda-Prologue-best-sales
2025 Honda Prologue Elite interior (Source: Honda)

GM expects the Chevy Equinox EV to be among the top three best-selling EVs this year, behind only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Meanwhile, GM warned that with the “irrational discounts” ending, EV sales will slow next quarter.

Like most automakers, Honda is offering some serious savings opportunities ahead of the $7,500 tax credit expiration at the end of the month.

Honda is promoting Prologue leases as low as $159 per month. The offer includes a $3,500 conquest or loyalty bonus and is available in most US states.

2025 Honda Prologue trim Starting Price* Starting Price After
Tax Credit
*
EPA Range
(miles)
EX (FWD) $47,400 $39,900 308
EX (AWD) $50,400 $42,900 294
Touring (FWD) $51.700 $44,200 308
Touring (AWD) $54,700 $47,200 294
Elite (AWD) $57,900 $50,400 283
2025 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim (*Does not include $1,450 D&H fee)

It also offers a unique One Pay Lease deal that works out to about $200 a month if you pay the full $4,800 lease amount upfront. However, this one is only available for buyers in California and other ZEV states. Both offers include the $7,500 federal tax credit.

If you’re looking to secure the savings while they are still here, we can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the popular electric vehicles in your area.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The slickest electric outboard for small boats just launched with more power

Published

on

By

The slickest electric outboard for small boats just launched with more power

European electric boating brand Remigo has just pulled the wraps off its next-generation outboard motor, the RemigoOne Neo. Building on the success of the original RemigoOne, the Neo brings a mix of extra power, intelligent controls, and refined design to the lightweight electric outboard market.

The biggest upgrade comes in the form of a new boost mode that lets the Neo deliver up to 1,500 watts of power, which they say is roughly equivalent to a four-horsepower gas outboard. We’ve seen that before, where compact electric outboards are capable of matching the performance of higher power gasoline-powered outboards for small vessels.

That extra kick is designed for the moments when boaters need to fight strong winds, currents, or simply get a heavier vessel moving. The boost lasts for 60 seconds before dropping back to the standard 1,000-watt cruising level, but a tap of the forward button instantly reactivates it, making continuous operation at full power possible.

“The boost mode gives skippers an extra gear when they need it, without wasting battery on marginal gains the rest of the time,” said Remigo CEO Marko Vrtovec. “The difference between 1 kW and 1.5 kW is minimal while cruising, but when you need that burst of torque and acceleration, it’s right there.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Depending on the hull design, boost mode is apparently capable of propelling boats at speeds of up to 5.5 knots (10.5 km/h).

Despite the added punch, the RemigoOne Neo remains one of the lightest electric outboards in its class. At just 15.5 kg (34 lb) with its integrated 1,085 Wh battery, or 13 kg (29 lb) without the mounting bracket, it’s designed for easy carrying and quick setup. That makes it an appealing solution for tenders, dinghies, and recreational boats up to 1.5 tons. Boaters can easily remove it from their transom and carry it with them while the boat stays at the dock or marina.

The new propeller design promises quieter, smoother, and more efficient performance, while Remigo’s unique blade-shaped housing continues to stand out visually. That same streamlined design also allows precise low-speed steering even when the motor isn’t running, helping boaters maneuver in tight spots without relying on prop thrust.

With the optional fast charger, the Neo tops off in around three hours, but it can also recharge from a solar panel or an external battery. That’s a useful feature for longer adventures or moored boats away from shore power. Controls are equally adaptable, with both handheld and tiller-mounted remotes available.

The RemigoOne Neo is rolling out now through Remigo’s international distributor and dealer network, where it is priced at €2,400 (approximately US $2,800).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending