The US has failed to provide incentives for companies to build rooftop solar installations, hindering progress in retail companies and the power sector. Big-box stores can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and saving money with rooftop solar. Local labor, community benefits, and a smooth transition to renewables are essential for effective utilization of rooftop solar.
The Disjointed Federal Policy Hindering Rooftop Solar in Big-Box Stores
The US has failed to provide incentives for companies with expertise to build rooftop solar installations, making it difficult for retail companies and the power sector to progress on solar.
The Importance of Local Labor and Community Benefits
Using local labor, paying prevailing wages, and implementing community solar programs are essential for big-box stores to effectively utilize rooftop solar.
The Call to Action
The US can meet its energy demand with renewables, but it requires political will and inclusion of the local community to make a smooth transition.
The Challenges to Implementing Solar Power in Big-box Stores
Federal policy is a significant barrier to implementing solar power in big-box stores, as it subsidizes fossil energy extraction and penalizes clean energy production.
The Need for Change
Now is the time to invest in local renewable energy production, particularly on the roofs of America’s big-box superstores, which can spur economic growth while addressing the climate crisis.
Companies like Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, Costco, and Target are urged to invest more in rooftop solar installations to reduce emissions, save millions of dollars, and contribute to a cleaner energy future for the US.
Quotes from Experts
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“Every rooftop in America that isn’t producing solar energy is a rooftop wasted as we work to break our dependence on fossil fuels and the geopolitical conflicts that come with them.”
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“Now is the time to lean into local renewable energy production, and there’s no better place than the roofs of America’s big-box superstores.”
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“One of my huge concerns is social equity. Access to renewable energy is a fairly privileged position these days, and we’ve got to figure out ways to make that not true.”
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The Potential for Solar Power in Big-box Stores
The Benefits of Solar Power in Big-box Stores
Installing solar panels on the rooftops and parking lots of big-box stores can help reduce the US’s dependency on foreign energy, slash planet-warming emissions, and save companies millions of dollars.
