Inside Tesla’s solar energy astroturfing

Tesla has been masking its lobbying efforts on solar panels and battery storage through the Energy Freedom Coalition of America, a trade association that is little more than a front for the automaker and alternative energy company, public documents suggest. SolarCity, which Tesla bought in 2016, began the practice of using the EFCA to promote […]

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A new solar technology could be the next big boost for renewable energy

Across the globe, a clutch of companies from Oxford, England to Redwood City, Calif. are working to commercialize a new solar technology that could further boost the adoption of renewable energy generation. Earlier this year, Oxford PV, a startup working in tandem with Oxford University, received $3 million from the U.K. government to develop the technology, […]

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OffGridBox raises $1.6M to charge and hydrate rural Africa with its all-in-one installations

The simplest needs are often the most vital: power and clean water will get you a long way. But in rural areas of developing countries they can both be hard to come by. OffGridBox is attempting to provide both, sustainably and profitably, while meeting humanitarian and ecological goals at the same time. The company just raised $1.6 million to pursue its lofty agenda.

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How a Ugandan prince and a crypto startup are planning an African revolution

Crypto and blockchain enthusiasts have been railing for years against the centralized world of banks, but many have been doing so from the privileged vantage point of developed countries. But what if blockchain technology turned out to be most revolutionary in emerging economies?

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California says new homes must have solar panels, in push to go all-renewable

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California just became the first state to require that all new homes be installed with solar panels, a continuation of its ambitious plans to completely wean itself off fossil fuels within two decades. 

All five members of the California Energy Commission voted for the mandate Wednesday morning, which will go into effect on January 1, 2020 for single family or “multi-family” buildings three stories or less. Other, less visible standards were also put in place, like improved window insulation to contain costly, climate-controlled air.

The state — which is itself the world’s fifth largest economy — is already well on its way to meeting aggressive renewable energy goals. State law requires California to generate half its power from renewables like wind and solar by 2030Utilities say they’ll likely meet this goal 10 years ahead of schedule, in 2020.  Read more…

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Solar project lending startup Wunder Capital raises $112 million as renewable energy shines

As renewable energy continues to gobble up more and more of the new energy capacity coming online, the solar project lending company Wunder Capital has raised $112 million in primarily debt financing to boost its business. The 90 percent debt and 10 percent equity commitment came from the multi-strategy investment firm Cyrus Investments, which has […]

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Microsoft signs its first renewable energy deal in Asia with Singaporean solar firm Sunseap

 As part of its goal to use more renewable energy in its datacenters, Microsoft said it has entered an agreement with Singapore-based clean energy firm Sunseap. The value of Microsoft’s investment was not disclosed, but an announcement today said it will create “the single-largest solar energy portfolio in Singapore to date.” Read More

View More Microsoft signs its first renewable energy deal in Asia with Singaporean solar firm Sunseap

Harness energy from the sun with a solar-powered charging bank that’s on sale

Heads up: All products featured here are selected by Mashable’s commerce team and meet our rigorous standards for awesomeness. If you buy something, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Stop your phone from running out of power in the middle of…

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Back these dreamy solar lanterns on Kickstarter and help people without power

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Cue the mood lighting.
A Kickstarter project wants to ensure that you never have to choose between aesthetics and the environment again. Meet the S…

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