Feasibly Off the Grid

The cost and logistics of converting an average residence to run on solar power has long stifled the growth and widespread use of this technology. Electricity and heat production together form one of the leading causes of global emissions, accounting for about 25% of the greenhouse gas produced in 2010 (https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data).

Pioneers like Elon Musk are showing the critics of solar energy that a costly infrastructure overhaul will not be required in order for developed countries to go green. This past December, Tesla unveiled its second generation home battery, as well as a fully developed and functional solar roofing tile. Musk claims the product is more efficient and durable than an average roof, all while producing enough power to provide a home and vehicle with electricity both day and night when coupled with a Tesla battery. While this technology may be out of reach for the average american budget, my hope is that the nature of capitalism will cause competition to produce better and cheaper products in the future if this one succeeds.

This fearless innovation inspires me. I feel it has been a long time coming. My future aspirations are to design efficient and hopefully affordable houses with little to no carbon footprint after they are constructed. Products like these make the idea of taking buildings off the grid a reality, one roof replacement at a time.