BMM Daily

Solar power is one of the cleanest ways to produce energy. It helps lower electricity bills and reduces harm to the environment. That’s why more homeowners and businesses are switching to solar every year. As solar demand grows, choosing the right solar company becomes very important. Not all companies offer the same quality, support, or warranties. In this guide, we break down what solar energy is and highlight the best solar energy companies in 2026. We focus on companies serving major markets like California and Florida. Our goal is simple. Help you make a smart, confident solar decision that lasts for years. Best Solar Energy Companies in 2026 This list features top national solar installers with proven track records. Our rankings are updated often as we review more companies and new data. Each company on this list was reviewed by our team. We spent hours reviewing equipment specs, studying market trends, and talking directly with company reps. We scored each provider using factors...

Transmission lines near Los Angeles, California (Courtesy: Robert Thiemann/Unsplash) The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new plan to solve the backlog of clean energy projects waiting to connect to the grid. This plan is called the Transmission Interconnection Roadmap and was created by DOE’s Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X). It aims to improve how clean energy projects connect to the grid by 2030. The roadmap suggests several solutions: Improving the quality and accessibility of data on projects waiting to connect to the grid. Creating new options to speed up the interconnection process for clean energy projects. Adopting a unified set of rules for connecting clean energy projects to the grid. Exploring ways to separate the interconnection process from network upgrades to make costs clearer upfront. The roadmap outlines 35 solutions focused on increasing data access, improving the interconnection process, boosting economic efficiency, and ensuring grid reliability....

As we enter the peak of the western U.S. water season, now is an opportune moment to assess potential water resources for the upcoming summer. Initially, concerns loomed about the prospect of an El Nino winter bringing either drought or flooding. Fortunately, it seems those worries were unfounded. Let's delve into the crucial details, commencing with California's reservoir levels – a source of significant concern just two years ago. The good news is, as indicated below, California's reservoirs are not only in good shape but generally above normal levels. Key reservoirs such as Shasta and Oroville boast levels at 121% and 131% of normal, respectively, with others also maintaining robust levels. Heading north, the water levels behind the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State surpass normal levels, promising benefits for both power generation and fish. Now, what about Seattle's reservoir levels? In December, they plummeted well below normal, causing concern. However, as of ...

In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has announced a freeze on approvals for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits, signaling a recalibration of the nation's energy strategy. This decision, influenced by environmental concerns and the need for comprehensive climate assessments, underscores the administration's commitment to adopting sustainable energy policies. Background: As the world's foremost LNG exporter, the United States is putting a temporary halt to further gas export expansions until a thorough evaluation of climate considerations can be conducted. This move aligns with the administration's broader vision of fostering a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. Key Points: Climate-Centric Decision Making: Acknowledging the climate crisis as an urgent priority, President Biden's announcement places a hold on all pending export permits, showcasing a shift away from solely economic considerations. The administration aims to inco...

More Americans, even Republicans, are accepting the reality that the Earth is getting warmer — but they’re still very much split on why and what to do about it. Public opinions on global warming , including perceived risk and support for climate policies, have shifted considerably over more than a decade, with some of the most pronounced upward trends coming in deeply conservative states, according to new national surveys released by Yale University . Researchers at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that Americans are more worried about climate change now than they were in 2010, and support for renewable energy has also grown over time. But the findings showed that there are still discrepancies in how people talk about climate change and strong divisions over what should be done to address it. A couple watch the sunset in Kansas City, Mo., as triple-digit heat indexes continued in the Midwest on Aug. 20. Charlie Riedel / AP The surveys come as the count...

In a significant move towards a more sustainable future, the Biden administration recently unveiled plans to open up 22 million acres of public land for solar development. This announcement is part of a broader initiative to achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035—a goal that underscores the administration's commitment to addressing climate change. Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis emphasized the critical role of responsible and swift development of renewable energy projects in realizing this vision. As expected with such a groundbreaking announcement, there were immediate critics, with some sections of the media and skeptics expressing concerns about the potential environmental impact of dedicating vast expanses of land to solar energy. However, a closer examination reveals that the US only needs approximately 700,000 acres of land for solar panels to meet the administration's ambitious target of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2035. This repres...

As we transition into the new year, it's crucial to monitor the tech industry, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in layoffs. Let's delve into the latest developments and examine what lies ahead for U.S. tech workers in 2024. Recent Layoffs Last week, the tech sector experienced a slowdown in layoffs, with fewer than 30 companies appearing on our Layoffs Tracker. Wayfair, the Boston-based e-commerce giant, led the charge, implementing staff cuts across all departments. Initially, Wayfair ramped up to meet the demand surge during the work-from-home era of 2020, but it now finds itself overstaffed amid a recent decline in sales. Amazon and Google also faced layoffs affecting their Buy with Prime and ad sales units, respectively. Google's subsidiary, YouTube, reported the elimination of 100 positions, signaling a reorganization to better support users and creators. The total number of affected U.S. workers at these tech behemoths remains unclear. Notably, the sole U....

The United States plays a significant role in the global stage regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Despite currently being the second-largest emitter after China, the U.S. has released more cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere than any other nation. In this blog post, we'll explore the journey of U.S. carbon emissions, recent changes, and the nation's efforts to combat climate change . Recognizing Trends in US CO2 Emissions: Between 1990 and 2005, U.S. CO₂ emissions from energy consumption surged by nearly 20%, reaching six billion metric tons (GtCO₂). However, since 2005, there has been a positive shift, with the country successfully reducing emissions by over 17%. Notably, 2020 saw a remarkable 11% drop in CO₂ levels, mainly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although emissions have increased post-pandemic, they remained below pre-2020 levels in 2022. Driving Forces Behind Emission Reductions: A significant contributor to the reduction in U.S. emissions over ...

In mid-January 2024, a bone-chilling Arctic blast gripped much of the United States, shattering daily low-temperature records and affecting millions from Montana to Texas. Huddled under layers of blankets, it's essential to grasp the science behind such severe cold events and how they fit into the broader context of climate change. The Dance of the Polar Jet Stream Extreme cold events, like January's, occur when the polar jet stream—a familiar winter phenomenon separating Arctic and temperate air—takes a deep plunge southward. This brings frigid Arctic air to regions unaccustomed to such harsh conditions, resulting in dangerously cold temperatures. The Stratospheric Polar Vortex's Role What makes these cold snaps intriguing is their association with changes in the stratospheric polar vortex, a high-altitude air stream encircling the North Pole. When this vortex becomes disrupted or stretched, it can influence the jet stream's behavior, directing it southward and causing...

In the wake of escalating domestic oil and gas production and unmet promises from fossil fuel companies, the battleground for climate action is shifting to courtrooms. Climate activists are increasingly seeking accountability for environmental damage through legal means, and with numerous lawsuits underway, 2024 appears poised to become a pivotal year in the fight against climate change. Here's an in-depth look at eight key developments to closely monitor in the coming months. Revolutionary Montana Decision Adopted: In August 2023, a Montana judge issued a groundbreaking decision favoring young residents who argued that the state's pro-fossil fuel policies violated their right to a clean environment. The ruling, deemed the strongest ever on climate change, is currently under appeal in Montana's supreme court. If upheld, it could compel the state to reassess its environmental policies, particularly in energy permitting processes. Hawaii's Youth Take the Stand: Scheduled ...

Photo by Alexander Gago In a significant move towards advancing clean transportation and creating job opportunities, the Biden-Harris Administration has just announced a whopping $46.5 million investment. This funding will be distributed across 30 projects in 16 states and Washington, D.C. The primary goal is to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging performance, ensure resiliency, promote reliability, and foster equitable access to clean transportation solutions. Let's dive into the details of this game-changing initiative. Driving Towards a Greener Future With the number of EVs on American roads quadrupling since President Biden took office, these investments are a crucial part of the administration's ambitious plan to establish a national network of 500,000 public EV charging ports by 2030. The ultimate aim is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This funding aligns with President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, supporting the construction of an affordable and rel...

photo: Julio Cortez/Associated Press At the World Economic Forum in Davos, conversations that capture the essence of future challenges often unfold during side events. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's annual luncheon stands out, where discussions veer from planting a trillion trees to safeguarding oceans. This year, the spotlight was on a conversation between Benioff and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, covering topics from fusion power to the role of AI in addressing climate change. Altman's Vision for a Greener Future Altman shared his vision of a world where fusion power provides abundant and cheap energy, allowing for extensive carbon capture. He emphasized the potential of clean energy to undo significant climate damage, provided fusion power becomes a reality. Musings on AI's Dark Side However, not all voices were optimistic. Will.i.am raised concerns about AI potentially turning against its creators, especially when tasked with solving complex issues like climate change. Jane Goo...

In a major stride towards a greener future, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a substantial investment of over $131 million for projects dedicated to advancing research and development (R&D) in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and charging systems. This move is part of a broader initiative to address critical priorities for the next phase of widespread EV commercialization. Biden-Harris Administration's Vision for Clean Transportation U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to driving innovation and research, with a focus on providing clean, affordable, and accessible transportation solutions for all Americans. The investments aim to propel the development of a convenient and reliable EV network while simultaneously expanding the domestic battery supply chain—a crucial step towards ensuring the nation's energy independence and fostering economic opportunities. DOE's significant investment ...

The Department of the Interior has recently unveiled an updated roadmap for solar energy development across the Western United States. This strategic plan aims to enhance solar energy production in more states and streamline the permitting process on public lands. In this analytical opinion piece, we delve into the key components of this initiative, assessing its potential impact on clean energy goals, job creation, and environmental conservation. Analyzing the Updated Western Solar Plan: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has unveiled a revised plan for large-scale solar energy development, termed the Western Solar Plan. This initiative aims to strategically assess the environmental impact of utility-scale solar projects through an updated Environmental Impact Statement. This plan builds upon the 2012 version, refining its analysis and expanding to include Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The objective is to identify areas with high solar potential and minimal resourc...

A future where our nation is not only decarbonized but also thriving in an electrified energy ecosystem. It's an exciting prospect, and the good news is that this transition is not just a distant dream – it's already underway. The transformations unfolding in our electricity system, encompassing both the bulk power system and the grid edge, present challenges, but they also hold tremendous opportunities for a sustainable and cost-effective future. Take a moment to consider the interconnected nature of our energy landscape. The decarbonization of buildings and industry, the electrification of transportation, and the surge in renewable energy and affordable storage might seem like separate threads, but the beauty lies in the fact that they share common solutions to their challenges. Let's zoom in on transportation electrification, a focal point where opportunities and challenges intersect. It serves as a tangible example of the need for coordination across various sectors, ur...

In a monumental move towards a cleaner, more resilient future, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has just injected a significant $34 million into 12 groundbreaking projects spanning 11 states. The aim? To fortify and modernize America's aging power grid through the development of cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies. This is not just an energy upgrade; it's a transformative leap towards reliability, resilience, and security. Under the visionary Grid Overhaul with Proactive, High-speed Undergrounding for Reliability, Resilience, and Security program, these carefully selected projects will spearhead innovative solutions. The goal is to upgrade and expand our nation's grid infrastructure, ushering in a new era of lower costs, reduced inefficiencies, and a swift adoption of renewable clean energy resources. This announcement aligns seamlessly with President Biden's Investing in America agenda, a strategic move to build robust and secure energy...