Renewable Energy
Vox's news coverage and updates on the latest in renewables like solar power, wind energy, storage, and batteries.
The latest in Renewable Energy
![10 big things we think will happen in the next 10 years](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/08-Future.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=15.271875%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Obesity will go down, electric cars will go up, and a nuclear bomb might just fall.
![The propane industry’s weird obsession with school buses, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24963162/PropaneBus_JaredBartman.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Electric school buses are better for kids’ health. The propane industry has other ideas.
![Why Biden’s multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen energy is such a big deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25007008/AP23286721388352.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Why Biden’s multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen energy is such a big deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25007008/AP23286721388352.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Clean hydrogen can be a lot dirtier than it seems, especially when the fossil fuel industry gets involved.
![The US power grid quietly survived its most brutal summer yet](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24957501/GettyImages_1243006998.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.675%2C0%2C66.65%2C100&w=2400)
![The US power grid quietly survived its most brutal summer yet](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24957501/GettyImages_1243006998.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.012500000000003%2C0%2C99.975%2C100&w=2400)
Despite record power demand, the grid largely avoided blackouts. Don’t take this for granted.
![Is the future of energy ... pouring water on hot rocks in the ground?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24913783/Fervo_Energy_Project_Red_Rig_2_2048x1367.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.6259765625%2C0%2C66.748046875%2C100&w=2400)
![Is the future of energy ... pouring water on hot rocks in the ground?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24913783/Fervo_Energy_Project_Red_Rig_2_2048x1367.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.060960741282614%2C100%2C99.878078517435&w=2400)
Geothermal’s “breakthrough,” and the challenges ahead, explained.
![Why a “room-temperature superconductor” would be a huge deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24835256/20010071236_9a0f363118_o.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Why a “room-temperature superconductor” would be a huge deal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24835256/20010071236_9a0f363118_o.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
The superconductor frenzy, explained.
![4 winners and 1 loser in the EPA’s historic move to limit power plant pollution](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24653849/GettyImages_1232409340.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=17.743945868946%2C0%2C64.512108262108%2C100&w=2400)
![4 winners and 1 loser in the EPA’s historic move to limit power plant pollution](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24653849/GettyImages_1232409340.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=1.6159188034188%2C0%2C96.768162393162%2C100&w=2400)
One winner: Natural gas.
![The EPA’s long-delayed new rules for power plant pollution, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24648577/GettyImages_83499095.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=15.44921875%2C0%2C66.66015625%2C100&w=2400)
![The EPA’s long-delayed new rules for power plant pollution, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24648577/GettyImages_83499095.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0048828125%2C0%2C99.990234375%2C100&w=2400)
Biden hopes the third time is the charm for the first-ever regulations for power plant climate pollution.
![How to fix clean energy’s storage problem](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24614758/THUMB_CLEAN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![How to fix clean energy’s storage problem](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24614758/THUMB_CLEAN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
We can’t truly switch to renewable energy without a breakthrough.
![A renter’s guide to the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24566657/GettyImages_88900792.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.316666666667%2C0%2C63.366666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![A renter’s guide to the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24566657/GettyImages_88900792.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=2.475%2C0%2C95.05%2C100&w=2400)
Time to approach your landlord or consider a window unit heat pump.
![How you can take advantage of tax breaks in the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24294712/GettyImages_1238323187a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=24.992276799506%2C6.7655236329935%2C49.150447945629%2C73.725671918443&w=2400)
![How you can take advantage of tax breaks in the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24294712/GettyImages_1238323187a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=12.704664813099%2C6.7655236329935%2C73.725671918443%2C73.725671918443&w=2400)
Make a home energy audit your resolution for 2023.
![A mountain, a tower, a thermos of molten salt. These are the batteries that could power our renewable future.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24179473/jar03.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![A mountain, a tower, a thermos of molten salt. These are the batteries that could power our renewable future.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24179473/jar03.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Climate change is pushing the power grid to the limit. Energy storage could help.
![The end of a battery’s life matters as much as its beginning](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24104361/lede_final2.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Americans are terrible at recycling. Electric cars are a chance to change that.
![The real reason a heat wave is pushing California’s power grid to its limits](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23989389/1242561388.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.675%2C0%2C62.65%2C100&w=2400)
![The real reason a heat wave is pushing California’s power grid to its limits](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23989389/1242561388.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=3.0125%2C0%2C93.975%2C100&w=2400)
Blaming blackouts on wind and solar power totally misses the point.
![4 underrated parts of the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23949739/AP22228556825769a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![4 underrated parts of the Inflation Reduction Act](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23949739/AP22228556825769a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
The new climate law is more than just tax credits.
![Congress failed on climate. What can Biden do now?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23889294/GettyImages_1403462834.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.663664204648%2C0%2C66.672671590704%2C100&w=2400)
![Congress failed on climate. What can Biden do now?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23889294/GettyImages_1403462834.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0045032873998068%2C100%2C99.9909934252&w=2400)
What Biden meant when he called climate change an emergency.
![These batteries work from home](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23438674/1238753659.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=13.4375%2C0%2C73.125%2C100&w=2400)
![These batteries work from home](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23438674/1238753659.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C4.4159544159544%2C100%2C91.168091168091&w=2400)
How batteries can help power homes, buildings, and the grid.
![There’s a climate solution hiding in our walls](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23392018/VOX_f_copy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=12.4%2C0%2C75.2%2C100&w=2400)
Buildings waste a lot of energy. One low-tech solution could fix that.
![Clean energy is buried at the bottom of abandoned oil wells](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23389542/GettyImages_1238962697_copy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
The US is spending millions to explore a surprising source of untapped power.
![The hydrogen energy dream](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23392509/GettyImages_1177691143_copy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Automakers, industries, and governments are betting on hydrogen again. Will it work this time?
![How to clear the air in the most polluted cities on Earth](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23250159/GettyImages_490452539.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![How to clear the air in the most polluted cities on Earth](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23250159/GettyImages_490452539.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
How countries like India can have economic growth and cleaner air.
![Dirty energy pays more than clean energy. That’s a problem.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23213159/GettyImages_82274942.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.42070051161%2C0%2C67.158598976781%2C100&w=2400)
![Dirty energy pays more than clean energy. That’s a problem.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23213159/GettyImages_82274942.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.36624670377967%2C100%2C99.267506592441&w=2400)
To outcompete Big Oil, the clean energy industry needs to unionize.
![Biden’s offshore wind plan is also a jobs plan](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23178956/1271779188.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=20.485757884028%2C0%2C59.028484231943%2C100&w=2400)
![Biden’s offshore wind plan is also a jobs plan](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23178956/1271779188.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=5.7286368260427%2C0%2C88.542726347915%2C100&w=2400)
Europe has already invested in offshore wind power. Now the US is getting onboard.
![The latest data on US climate pollution is very bad](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23162087/GettyImages_1353690656.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.669474393531%2C0%2C66.661051212938%2C100&w=2400)
![The latest data on US climate pollution is very bad](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23162087/GettyImages_1353690656.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0042115902964923%2C0%2C99.991576819407%2C100&w=2400)
Freight and coal drove emissions up in 2021.
![Is this the beginning of the end of gas stoves and dirty heat in buildings?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23102351/GettyImages_2074492.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=17.633333333333%2C0%2C64.733333333333%2C100&w=2400)
![Is this the beginning of the end of gas stoves and dirty heat in buildings?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23102351/GettyImages_2074492.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=1.45%2C0%2C97.1%2C100&w=2400)
New York City is phasing out gas in new buildings. It’s a milestone in the fight to clean up climate pollution.
![The infrastructure law aims to clean up pollution in your community](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23017146/GettyImages_1236587701.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=19.685863874346%2C0%2C60.628272251309%2C100&w=2400)
![The infrastructure law aims to clean up pollution in your community](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23017146/GettyImages_1236587701.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=4.5287958115183%2C0%2C90.942408376963%2C100&w=2400)
Congress will inject unprecedented funding into replacing dirty school buses, lead pipes, and more.
![An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22885828/GettyImages_473160236_copy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.6%2C0%2C66.8%2C100&w=2400)
![An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22885828/GettyImages_473160236_copy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.19960079840318%2C100%2C99.800399201597&w=2400)
The natural gas industry was losing in cities across the US. Then came an obscure partisan tactic called preemption.
![One policy that could challenge a century of fossil fuel dominance](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22756518/GettyImages_1231905680.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![One policy that could challenge a century of fossil fuel dominance](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22756518/GettyImages_1231905680.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
A clean electricity standard could be “the biggest change in our energy policy since the lights went on.”
![The US power grid isn’t ready for climate change](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22696707/GettyImages_1289259419.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.140873015873%2C0%2C67.718253968254%2C100&w=2400)
In recent weeks, you’ve either had power problems or you’ve heard about them.
![The fastest way to get more people to buy electric vehicles](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22633236/1232464562.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The fastest way to get more people to buy electric vehicles](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22633236/1232464562.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
America’s EV charging station infrastructure is woefully lacking.
![How Biden could actually deliver on his climate goals](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22481408/1231905344.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![How Biden could actually deliver on his climate goals](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22481408/1231905344.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
The road to the 2030 goal is clear. The road to 2050 is a little murkier.
![Why every state is vulnerable to a Texas-style power crisis](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22363464/GettyImages_1231246672.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=23.9%2C0%2C66.675%2C100&w=2400)
![Why every state is vulnerable to a Texas-style power crisis](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22363464/GettyImages_1231246672.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0062492188476426%2C100%2C99.987501562305&w=2400)
“The infrastructure we have built right now really isn’t ready.”
![2020 ties for the hottest year on record](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22223429/GettyImages_1231570789.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![2020 ties for the hottest year on record](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22223429/GettyImages_1231570789.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
It’s time for the world to get more ambitious with its emissions targets.
![The Earth itself could provide carbon-free heat for buildings](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22031309/shutterstock_1780996640.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.622340425532%2C0%2C66.755319148936%2C100&w=2400)
![The Earth itself could provide carbon-free heat for buildings](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22031309/shutterstock_1780996640.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.066401062417%2C100%2C99.867197875166&w=2400)
The world needs clean heat, and geothermal energy has it.
![Live results: Nevada renewable energy ballot initiative](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22009145/AP_16259717148888.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=9.2666666666667%2C0%2C64%2C100&w=2400)
![Live results: Nevada renewable energy ballot initiative](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22009145/AP_16259717148888.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=2%2C0%2C96%2C100&w=2400)
Voters could require the state’s electricity supplies to shift to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030.
![China’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2060, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21911675/AP_20267723985129.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.683333333333%2C0%2C66.633333333333%2C100&w=2400)
![China’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2060, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21911675/AP_20267723985129.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.024999999999999%2C0%2C99.95%2C100&w=2400)
China just stepped up its climate goals. Is it enough to avert climate chaos?
![Michael Moore produced a film about climate change that’s a gift to Big Oil](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19928884/__Michael_Moore_Jeff_Gibbs_Ozzie_Zehner_on_Stage_2019_08_04_Traverse_City_Film_Festival_Planet_of_the_Humans_JGanter__MG_9944.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=15.947735815285%2C0%2C68.104528369429%2C100&w=2400)
![Michael Moore produced a film about climate change that’s a gift to Big Oil](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19928884/__Michael_Moore_Jeff_Gibbs_Ozzie_Zehner_on_Stage_2019_08_04_Traverse_City_Film_Festival_Planet_of_the_Humans_JGanter__MG_9944.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C1.0556285589137%2C100%2C97.888742882173&w=2400)
Planet of the Humans deceives viewers about clean energy and climate activists.
![How Germany helped make renewable energy cheap for the rest of the world](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19577842/HJF_with_solar_panels.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=1.1259920634921%2C0%2C75%2C100&w=2400)
![How Germany helped make renewable energy cheap for the rest of the world](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19577842/HJF_with_solar_panels.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C88.888888888889&w=2400)
One man, some very old solar panels, and a law that looks a lot like part of the proposed US Green New Deal helped transform the way Germany gets its power.
![California now requires solar panels on all new homes. That’s not necessarily a good thing.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10841107/83470221.jpg.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![California now requires solar panels on all new homes. That’s not necessarily a good thing.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10841107/83470221.jpg.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
More solar is not always and everywhere better.
![Solar and wind are coming. And the power sector isn’t ready.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10861767/GettyImages_184106918.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.086956521739%2C0%2C67.826086956522%2C100&w=2400)
![Solar and wind are coming. And the power sector isn’t ready.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10861767/GettyImages_184106918.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C98.290598290598&w=2400)
The rise in renewable energy will scramble the decision making of grid managers.