The Balcony Solar Boom Is Coming to the US
US states are moving to legalize plug‑in balcony solar, a small, plug‑and‑play photovoltaic system that can generate up to 800 W. Utah already passed a law exempting low‑power certified panels from interconnection permits, and more than two dozen states, including New York, are considering similar bills. The industry’s safety concerns are being addressed by UL Solutions’ new UL 3700 testing protocol, which calls for dedicated outlets and other safeguards. Certification is still pending, meaning early adopters may still need electrician work despite the “no‑permit” promise.
It’s Time to Make a Plan for Nuclear Waste
Nuclear power is enjoying bipartisan support and a surge of private investment as tech firms seek reliable, low‑carbon electricity for data centers. The United States now generates about 2,000 metric tons of high‑level nuclear waste each year, but lacks a...
Fuel Prices Are Soaring. Plastic Could Be Next.
The ongoing Iran‑related conflict has closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil above $100 per barrel and gasoline past $4 a gallon in the United States. The spike is reverberating through petrochemical feedstocks, especially naphtha, where Asian prices have...