Over 10 Million Americans Live Near Solar Projects, Inequality in Access Persists
Over 10 million Americans reside near utility-scale solar panels, with attitudes towards solar farms varying based on size. Meanwhile, the world's largest solar facility, the Bhadla Solar Park in India, boasts a capacity of 2.2 gigawatts.
Rooftop solar systems prove more efficient in reducing carbon emissions, producing half the emissions of larger systems per watt generated. Installing solar panels can encourage neighbours to follow suit, creating a positive feedback loop. This stands in contrast to the 20th century, when energy choices were limited, and most people generated their own heat, with virtually no one producing power.
However, even if every suitable US rooftop were covered in solar panels, it would only meet 40% of the nation's energy needs. Access to solar power remains unequal, with only 3% of systems in renter-occupied homes and Black-majority census tracts installing 70% less rooftop PV than non-majority tracts. Electricity from large-scale PV farms costs about a third of that from domestic systems.
In Germany, efforts to transition to a low-carbon, all-electric world include massive infrastructure investments and climate neutrality funding. This totals about 115 billion euros in 2025, focusing on modern schools, hospitals, transport routes, and climate protection. The country also prioritizes climate adaptation measures and renewable energy financing, particularly for solar and wind projects.
Looking to the future, ultra-thin flexible and transparent solar cells are set to revolutionize solar power, enabling solar-powered clothing and windows. However, a high uptake of domestic solar panels could potentially leave the grid more vulnerable to failure.
While solar power continues to grow, with over 10 million Americans living near solar projects, access remains unequal. Germany's ambitious plans for a low-carbon future offer a glimpse into the potential of solar power. As technology advances, with ultra-thin flexible solar cells on the horizon, the future of solar power looks bright, despite potential grid vulnerabilities.
