Author: Derek Markham

Illustration of CraftStrom's smart plug & play solar kits (screenshot)

CraftStrom’s Smart Plug & Play Solar Kits Are Already NEC & UL Compliant

With the passage of Utah House Bill 340, the state has officially legalized residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts AC, marking a major step toward decentralized, homeowner-installed PV. The law exempts these systems from conventional utility interconnection agreements, provided they include anti-islanding protection and do not exceed branch … [continued]

Velotric Fold 1, image by Derek Markham / CleanTechnica

Velotric Fold 1: A Folding E-Bike That Gets It Right — CleanTechnica Tested

Folding e-bikes are usually a tradeoff — compact and portable, but underpowered and awkward to ride. The Velotric Fold 1 challenges that reputation with a 750W motor, hydraulic brakes, a 55-mile range, and a sturdy build — all for $1,199. It’s not trying to be the lightest or the smallest, … [continued]

Airstream Basecamp Xe (screenshot from brochure)

Airstream Introduces The 20Xe: The Future Of Electric-Ready Off-Grid Adventure

Airstream has been at the forefront of travel trailer innovation for decades, and with the introduction of the Basecamp 20Xe, the company is taking a major step into the future of off-grid and electric-capable adventure travel. As the first Basecamp model designed specifically with all-electric capability in mind, the 20XE … [continued]

Powering Texas: How Base Power’s No-Cost Home Batteries Are Revolutionizing Energy Resilience

​In response to Texas’ increasing power outages and the demand for reliable home energy solutions, companies like Base Power are revolutionizing the market by offering affordable home battery systems without the hefty upfront costs. This innovative approach not only provides homeowners with backup power during outages but also contributes to … [continued]

Leapting Intelligent Automatic Navigation PV Module Installation Robot

Leapting’s AI-Powered Robot Is Transforming Solar Panel Installation In Australia

Automation is making its way into every industry, and the solar sector is no exception. Chinese automation company Leapting has just announced that its Intelligent Automatic Navigation PV Module Installation Robot will be deployed at a large-scale solar farm in Australia. The robots, which have already been shipped from Leapting’s … [continued]

Arizona Solar Advocates Challenge APS “Grid Access Charge” In Court: A Fight For Fair Energy…

In a significant legal development, a coalition of advocacy organizations has filed an appeal challenging the Arizona Corporation Commission’s (ACC) decision to uphold a fee imposed on Arizona Public Service (APS) customers who utilize rooftop solar panels. The appeal, lodged on January 28, 2025, contends that the so-called “Grid Access … [continued]

Industrial Electrification Across the United States, image courtesy of ACEEE

A Powerful New Tool Is Tracking The Electrification Of US Industry

Industries across the US are making a big shift toward cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, and a new interactive map from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is making it easier than ever to track that progress. This innovative tool provides a visual representation of how industrial electrification … [continued]