Batteries

Tesla just launched the Megablock, a big, easy-to-deploy grid battery

The new storage product combines four Megapacks and a transformer in one handy package, aiming to pack in more battery cells and streamline installation.

By Julian Spector . 9 September 2025

a square of big white boxes against the backdrop of a sunset — These Tesla Megablocks can store solar power after the sun sets. (Tesla)

Solar

Can utilities replace power lines with solar and batteries in remote areas?

Expanding the grid to reach far-flung customers can be a costly fire hazard. So utilities like PG&E are testing out microgrids using solar, batteries, and generators.

By Jeff St. John . 8 September 2025
Virtual power plants

California’s biggest virtual power plant may get a funding reprieve

Home batteries enrolled in the program can provide 700 MW of cost-effective grid support, new analysis finds — but only if state lawmakers preserve its funding.

By Jeff St. John . 21 August 2025
Batteries

Peak Energy's new battery is cooler than lithium-ion systems

The startup’s first sodium-based grid-battery project has a novel design that cuts costs by virtually eliminating the need for temperature controls.

By Julian Spector . 21 August 2025
Clean energy supply chain

Trump’s push to mine deep-sea battery metals draws ire from allies

At U.N. talks in Jamaica, allies blasted the U.S. bid to unilaterally mine the high seas. Some made an unusual move to side with America’s economic foe: China.

By Clare Fieseler . 12 August 2025
Batteries

NYC utility tests portable home batteries to dull AC’s impact on the grid

Con Ed connected power boxes to 65 customers’ AC units, allowing households to stay cool without plugging in during summer system overload.

By Samantha Maldonado, THE CITY . 12 August 2025
Long-duration energy storage

Used EV batteries could upend the race for long-duration storage

Redwood Materials says second-life batteries are the cheapest form of long-duration storage. If true, battery startups are in trouble — and renewables are in luck.

By Julian Spector . 6 August 2025
Energy storage

A pioneering ‘second-life’ battery startup begins major Texas expansion

Armed with lessons from five years of hooking up used EV batteries to the grid in California, B2U is making a 100-MWh foray into Texas’ volatile energy market.

By Julian Spector . 29 July 2025
Virtual power plants

As rooftop solar gets hammered, virtual power plants offer a way forward

VPPs built out of home solar and battery systems could bolster the overtaxed power grid, lower energy costs for consumers, and help invigorate a struggling industry.

By Jeff St. John . 28 July 2025
Clean energy

A heat wave hit New England's grid. Clean energy saved the day.

On the hottest day this year, behind-the-meter solar panels and a growing network of batteries helped prevent blackouts and saved consumers millions of dollars.

By Sarah Shemkus . 8 July 2025
Energy storage

Redwood Materials built record grid storage project using old EV batteries

The EV battery recycler determined it could make good money by repurposing old battery packs for the grid, and found an eager data center customer.

By Julian Spector . 2 July 2025