Creation Care Mom

Point of view. Perspective. Even how something is worded. It all matters.

For instance, with my son, automatic sprinkler systems are the coolest thing in the world to point out. For me, they are a needed safety system. He thinks its fine to sit in a dirty diaper, but I know better. Clean bottoms are happy bottoms. His perspective of the world is different than mine, partly because of his size, and partly because of his limited knowledge and understanding. My worldview is shaped by years of experience, travel, people, and education.

As we delve into tough, nuanced, and complex issues. It’s important to remember that not everyone sees it the same way. We come from different places with different experiences. The “glasses” we use to view the world and its problems are colored by our life. And so, the solutions we believe are correct will differ, BUT the underlying concerns could be very much the same.

For example, one of the most common phrases being used during this election cycle is “energy independence”. For the Republican party, this phrasing is used to push for additional development of fossil fuel resources in the USA. Trying to eliminate the need to import our fuel sources from unstable Middle East nations will decrease our dependence on those countries. That is true.

But what they aren’t saying is that fossil fuel resources are inherently limited. They will eventually run out. AND they will be controlled and used for profit by only a few corporations which leaves us common folk still dependent on others to keep the lights on.

From my perspective, energy independence looks like multiple micro power sources with battery storage. Here’s why. My dad was an early adopter. We had solar panels, a small wind turbine, and a water turbine in the creek. He had enough battery storage to keep our home functioning off the grid for short periods of time. This means when the power went out we just switched to batteries. There was no scrambling for candles, no worry about frozen goods thawing, not being able to cook a hot meal, or whether or not we’d have hot water. We usually were the only house on the road with power.

Now some people worry about the long term effects of solar. I’m here to say that solar panels last a ridiculously long time. Some of my dad’s original panels are still functioning, 26 years later. (The only reason they all aren’t is kids broke some throwing rocks.) They may no longer be functioning at peak productivity, but there is no reason to remove them. When they have reached the end on their life, most of the panel can be recycled. They are primarily glass and aluminum with small amounts of other minerals. They may contain small amounts of lead or cadmium, depending on the manufacturer, so consider them hazardous waste. Not the kind of hazardous waste that harms you, but the kind that must be disposed of properly.

Now I know that some of those materials were probably sourced from overseas, but once installed, we had independence. (As the US supply chain grows, even our dependence on Chinese solar panels will wane.) We had freedom from any unreliabilities of the grid. And for those reasons, I wish I could install micro generation on our current home.

This is where the real work needs to happen. In some of the USA, there are no solar access laws on the books. In 21 states, if you live in an HOA, they can prevent you from installing solar panels for personal electricity generation. This is in addition to local permitting requirements and rules. In the 29 states with solar access laws on the books, the HOA can still have rules about placement and aesthetic as long as it doesn’t reduce the productivity of the panels. Solar access matters because most personal micro generation will use solar. In most cities, there isn’t enough wind or land space for turbines (that may change with new tech) and few people will live on a creek or ditch where they could generate hydropower. Solar access is incredibly vital for personal energy independence to be achieved.

As natural disaster hammer the USA, we are seeing time and again how solar power has become a game-changer, providing emergency power during power outages and ensuring reliable electricity during emergencies. It requires no fuel to be shipped in and can have an immediate impact on access to communication, clean water, medical treatment. Solar power micro-grids have been vital in rural Puerto Rica after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

New developments are happening all the time and the legal framework for renewable generation is changing quickly. The election results in November will determine much of the energy landscape for the next four or more years. It could look like relaxing rules protecting natural areas from fossil fuel exploration and development. Large corporations taking resources from the ground for profit. OR it could look like a national solar access law. Granting everyone, no matter an HOA or not, the ability to choose to install solar. Personal freedom to choose energy independence.

Notice the difference here is who benefits. The common man vs the corporation. Which one sounds better to you?