This Week in Cleantech (07/24/2026) - As EV sales flatten, automakers make the case for backup power

Tell us what you think of the show! This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in clean energy and climate featuring Paul Gerke of Factor This and Tigercomm’s Mike Casey.This week's episode features special guest Alexa St. John from The Associated Press, who discusses how automakers are increasingly turning their EVs and hybrids into home backup power sources as EV sales growth slows.This week’s “Cleantecher of the Week” is Cora Stryker, co-founder of Bright Saver. The nonprofit just started selling zero-markup, plug-in balcony solar kits, starting at about $300, with shipping to 47 states kicking off in August. Cora said that nonprofits are often willing to stomach financial losses in the near term, because its mission is to get solar into the hands of more people, so they can lower their energy bills and carbon pollution. Congratulations, Cora!This Week in Cleantech — July 24, 2026 Data Center Troubles Stoke Industry’s Fear of Coming Distress — BloombergWhy States Are Making It Harder to Save Money With Solar Panels — The New York TimesThe Key to Solar and Wind Power Is Battery Storage, and China Is Dominating — The Wall Street JournalState legislatures are getting better at clean-energy permitting policy — Canary MediaNeed backup power? Automakers want you to look no further than their vehicles in your driveway — Associated PressWant to make a suggestion for This Week in Cleantech? Nominate the stories that caught your eye each week by emailing  [email protected] episodes of Factor This Policycast