In the Tesla post, it was discussed what is required for a completely sustainable future:

1) Almost everything should be powered by electricity.

2) The majority of electricity should come from sustainable sources.

The focus has mainly been on #1 in the Tesla post, beyond cars, considering what still functions during a blackout at your home. For many individuals, their car, heating, stove, and water are essential. Water faucets typically operate on gravity, so they’re exempted, but the other three should ultimately transition to electricity. Musk is incredibly optimistic about the future of #1; he anticipates that all transport except for space rockets will be electric in the future.

However, how about #2? Essentially, #2 is a more significant challenge to address than #1. Why is that the case? Because even if we achieve #1 and everything is powered by electricity, if the electricity isn’t generated cleanly, its impact will be limited. Electric cars cannot solve the grid issues or shut down fossil fuel power plants — their role is to transition to the Electric Era by eliminating gasoline. To tackle #2, investing in sustainable energy production is crucial, similar to the attention given to exploring new methods of extracting fossil fuels.

For an energy source to be sustainable, it must be both renewable and clean. Renewability ensures it will not run out, while cleanliness prevents environmental pollution. Some viable options include:

Nuclear: Despite its controversy, suitably constructed nuclear power plants in suitable locations could significantly contribute to our future energy needs.

Hydro: While constructing new dams is challenging due to public resistance, existing dams continue to play a vital role in energy production.

Wind: Wind energy holds promising potential as a key energy source in the future.

However, none of these sources are the ultimate energy solution of the future. Solar energy stands out in a remarkable way, as illustrated in the diagram below:

Solar energy, often overlooked due to its small representation in this analogy, is an abundant and potent energy source. Musk refers to the sun as a “handy fusion reactor in the sky” that continuously produces immense power effortlessly.

The sun already powers most processes on Earth, driving essential functions like weather patterns, fossil fuel formation, and ecosystem sustenance. Harnessing solar energy bypasses intermediaries and directly taps into this abundant source of energy.

Hence, since most of our energy needs can be met through electricity and we have a steady solar energy source, the pivotal role of solar panels as the link between these two aspects cannot be overstated.

Musk recognizes this importance and co-founded SolarCity in 2006 with the goal of promoting sustainable energy adoption. SolarCity streamlines the solar power process, addressing challenges beyond acquiring panels, such as installation and grid connection. This approach has positioned SolarCity as the leading solar installation company in the U.S., with plans for expansion.

Solar energy is on an upward trajectory, with Musk forecasting exponential growth and predicting solar to become the primary global energy source by 2031. The aim is for solar power to economically outperform coal or gas-generated electricity, leading to widespread adoption across families, businesses, and cities worldwide. Additionally, in developing regions, solar panels coupled with batteries could circumvent traditional power infrastructure, reminiscent of mobile phones leapfrogging landlines in previous technological transitions.

Considering how little land coverage is necessary to harness solar power for global energy needs, particularly utilizing rooftops, the transition to a solar-centric future becomes increasingly apparent:

Exploring potential revolutions in solar power is vital as we may be standing on the brink of significant progress. It’s an opportune time to delve into this evolving narrative.