Showerthought: The week my city's power grid almost failed in a heatwave changed my view on solar.

Last July, we had a 5-day stretch where temps hit 110F every day. The grid was maxed out, and the utility sent out texts begging people to cut back. My neighbor's rooftop solar system, which I used to think was just a rich person's toy, kept his house cool and even powered his fridge and a fan for his elderly mom next door when rolling blackouts started. Meanwhile, I was sweating in the dark, just hoping my AC would kick back on. It made the whole 'energy independence' thing feel super real, not just a talking point. But I've also heard folks say putting panels on every roof isn't a real fix and we need bigger grid upgrades first. What's the better move for regular people right now, personal solar or pushing for bigger system changes?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee818d ago

Can we just do both before my phone dies again?

jessicahill18d ago

My friend tried that once, @lee8, and his phone went dark right as he hit send.