Solar Energy

Phasing out fossil fuels requires a lot of clean energy infrastructure like solar farms. And one sun-soaked part of the Mountain West is grabbing a share of that green gold rush by retraining workers to handle the growth.

Several universities in the Mountain West are competing this weekend in an international competition focused on building zero-energy homes.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced plans last week to accelerate solar development on public lands in the Mountain West. The efforts build on the Biden administration’s goal to support more renewable energy projects.

A Colorado professor is studying how plants grow under solar panels on rooftops. The research highlights the growing green roof movement — and the challenges cities face in mandating rooftop green space.

New data shows that the Western U.S. produces the most residential solar energy in the nation. California is a main reason why, but it’s increasing across the rest of the region, too.

The build-out of clean energy infrastructure in the West on its current trajectory would occupy about 39 million acres of land – roughly three-fourths the size of Utah – by 2050. A new study by The Nature Conservancy, however, suggests that the right mix of technologies can cut the amount of land needed in half.

Wyoming researchers show that utility-scale solar developments can directly and indirectly affect habitat and create movement barriers for ungulates such as deer, elk and pronghorn.

Every Thursday, we talk with our colleagues over at the Colorado Sun about the local stories they're following.KUNC's Samantha Coetzee spoke with David Krause about the anniversary of the Aurora theater shooting and solar power costs.

A new report shows many states in the West have the largest solar energy industries relative to the size of their economies, with Nevada in the top spot.

It's been a tough year for gas and oil prices, but solar power has seen steady growth during this pandemic year.