By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article highlights the hurdles to rooftop solar adoption in the United States, contrasting it with more efficient processes in other countries. Despite the decreasing cost of solar panels, bureaucratic red tape and local permitting processes significantly inflate costs and delay installations. These delays and added costs, coupled with political opposition, hamper the growth of rooftop solar, despite its potential for economic and environmental benefits, putting the US at risk of missing out on the global solar boom. The article emphasizes the need to streamline permitting, promote innovative solutions like SolarAPP+, and mobilize communities to advocate for rooftop solar to combat these challenges and embrace clean energy.
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Rooftop Solar Is a Miracle. Why Are We Killing It With Red Tape?
It’s pretty remarkable how rooftop solar has taken off, especially in places like Australia, where it’s become almost commonplace. The catch, though, is the problem of oversupply during the day, making the financial incentives, the “feed-in” tariffs, less attractive. Battery storage is becoming a popular solution to that, and it makes you wonder about community batteries at places like rail stations. It’s a forward-thinking approach.
The problem is clear: we are suffocating a promising energy source with red tape. The fossil fuel industry, along with the politicians who benefit from their campaign contributions, simply doesn’t want to see rooftop solar succeed. They’re actively working against it, seeing it as a threat to their bottom line, even though it could benefit the planet.
The financial incentives are there, and it is a great idea. Many people are moving quickly to secure panels and take advantage of the federal rebates before they expire. But you also have to be wary of the “snake oil salesmen” in the industry. It’s critical to find a reputable company. There’s so much to consider, too: the type of roof, the roof repairs, and the potential for solar shingles, which might be the way to go in the future.
The oil and gas industry is pouring money into political campaigns, and corruption is rampant. This problem predates any particular administration. The fact that it has become such an uphill battle, even in environmentally conscious areas, is a testament to the influence of powerful interests.
Local jurisdictions hold a lot of power in the permitting process, and this creates a patchwork of regulations that make it difficult to install solar panels, increasing fossil fuel dependency. Until there’s a real effort to streamline these processes, we’ll be stuck.
The permitting process needs simplification. It’s not about who’s in charge, but about how we make it easier for people to use solar energy. It’s not just about red tape, either. Corporations can’t control the supply of solar, but they can certainly try to stifle its adoption.
The power companies need to be sure they can still repair damage, provide backup power, and manage the flow of electricity. However, the local power delivery authority buys at one rate and sells at a slightly higher rate, which can make a difference. Because of this, they also don’t want to see homeowners providing excess power to the grid at the same rate.
Solar power faces significant hurdles when it comes to political donations. The media often refuses to report on solar energy; just watch the TV programs, where you’ll see dozens of oil and gas advertisements. You don’t see many solar ads. The answer is the oil and gas companies that pay off your politicians, they don’t like the competition.
Regulations are needed, but in a way that does not make it more difficult to succeed. Homeowners need protection. Oversight is a must. If the company you worked with goes bankrupt, what happens with the maintenance, or any customer service you need? Rooftop solar needs to be successful, but needs proper oversight.
The energy companies don’t want to see cheap energy or lower bills, and they will go to any lengths to prevent it. The fossil fuel industry isn’t interested in competition. Late-stage capitalism is the issue.
It’s hard to argue with the fact that the fossil fuel lobby has deep pockets and a strong influence on our elected officials. This is just another example of how the powerful protect their interests at the expense of the environment and the public good.