SOLAR ENERGY & STORAGE

Solar energy isn’t the scrappy underdog it once was. It’s becoming the heavyweight champion of clean energy, with the added benefit of not melting the polar ice caps in the process. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar is now the cheapest source of electricity in history. Not the cheapest renewable energy—the cheapest energy, period. It’s outpacing coal, natural gas, and even the “clean” marketing campaigns from fossil fuel companies desperately clinging to relevance. The mechanics are beautifully simple: sunlight hits a solar panel, which converts it into electricity. No moving parts, no fuel, no emissions. Just photons doing their thing. The challenge isn’t collecting solar energy; it’s storing it efficiently for when the sun isn’t shining. Energy storage transforms solar power from a daytime-only affair into a 24/7 resource.

Batteries are the most common form of energy storage, with lithium-ion technology leading the pack. They’ve become cheaper and more efficient over the past decade, thanks to economies of scale and technological advances. The price of lithium-ion batteries has dropped by nearly 90% since 2010, making large-scale storage projects economically viable. But batteries aren’t the only option. There’s pumped hydro storage, where water is moved between reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. There’s also thermal storage, compressed air systems, and gravity-based solutions.

Solar and storage enhance energy security. No more worrying about geopolitical tensions in oil-rich regions or volatile fuel prices. The sun doesn’t do embargoes. It shines on everyone, from the rooftops of suburban homes to the deserts where solar farms stretch like modern-day fields of gold.

Decentralization is another advantage. Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere: homes, schools, warehouses, parking lots, even floating on bodies of water, a practice known as “floatovoltaics.” Pair these panels with batteries, and you’ve got microgrids—localized energy systems that can operate independently during grid outages. This resilience is crucial in the face of climate-driven disasters.

The solar industry employs more people than the coal, oil, and gas industries combined in the U.S. alone. And these aren’t just installation jobs. There’s a whole ecosystem: manufacturing, research and development, maintenance, sales, and project management. The renewable energy sector is projected to continue growing rapidly, outpacing fossil fuels not just in sustainability but in job creation.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Solar panels require materials like silicon, silver, and rare earth elements, raising concerns about supply chains and environmental impacts from mining. Recycling solar panels is still in its infancy, though efforts are ramping up to create a circular economy for renewable energy materials. The environmental impact of battery production, particularly for lithium and cobalt, must be managed through sustainable mining practices, recycling, and the development of alternative battery chemistries like lithium ion.

Government policy plays a crucial role. Feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and renewable energy mandates have driven solar adoption in many countries. Butpolicy rollbacks can stall progress, as seen in the U.S. when federal incentives waver. In 2023, the California Public Utitlites Commission slashed the credit received for exporting energy to the grid, harming the solar industry. Stable policies provide the certainty needed for investment and innovation.

Globally, the shift to solar is accelerating. China leads in solar capacity, both in installations and manufacturing, driving down costs for the rest of the world. India’s ambitious solar goals are reshaping its energy landscape, with massive solar parks covering acres of land once left barren. Even oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in solar, recognizing that the sun offers more reliable long-term returns than finite fossil reserves..

Storage technologies are evolving alongside solar. Solid-state batteries, flow batteries, car batteries that can also power your home, and even experimental approaches like molten salt storage could revolutionize how we manage energy. The goal is clear: make renewable energy not just clean, but reliable and abundant, regardless of weather or time of day.

Cultural shifts matter too. As solar becomes more common, it changes how people think about energy. No longer an abstract commodity delivered from distant power plants, energy becomes something tangible, visible, and personal. This shift fosters greater energy awareness, efficiency, and stewardship.

Solar isn’t just about technology; it’s about justice. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations who’ve contributed least to the problem. Solar energy can be part of climate reparations, providing clean power, economic opportunities, and resilience where they’re needed most. Community-led initiatives showcase this potential. In the Navajo Nation, once heavily dependent on coal mining, solar projects are providing both clean energy and jobs, supporting a just transition for communities historically exploited by extractive industries. Energy poverty—where people can’t afford basic energy services—affects millions worldwide. Solar can democratize energy access, but only if policies ensure it’s not just a perk for the wealthy. Community solar projects allow people without suitable rooftops—or without rooftops at all—to benefit from clean energy.

The international dimension is critical. The Paris Agreement sets targets, but real action happens through collaboration—sharing technology, financing renewable projects in developing nations, and holding global powers accountable for their carbon footprints.

Solar energy and storage represent a paradigm shift: from extraction to regeneration, from centralized control to distributed empowerment, from scarcity to abundance.

Therefore, under Folklaw:

Solar energy and storage shall be prioritized as foundational elements of sustainable energy systems. Governments will invest in large-scale solar projects, incentivize residential and commercial solar adoption, and expand energy storage infrastructure. Policies will support research and development of advanced solar technologies and sustainable battery solutions.

Equity-focused programs will ensure access to clean energy for marginalized communities, with community solar initiatives and subsidies for low-income households. Grid modernization will integrate solar and storage seamlessly, enhancing resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. International cooperation will promote technology transfer, climate justice, and global renewable energy expansion.