With only 6 years left until the world comes to an end, according to Greta Thunberg’s 2020 predictions, many are wondering what they can do to avert such a crisis.
OK, maybe the world won’t end in 6 years. But I really do believe that sustainability – doing more with less – is a good thing, and that pumping toxins into the air is a less-than-ideal thing in the long run. In fact, I recently joined the Elon Economy through purchasing a beautiful Tesla Model Y.
I’m happy there are shrines and movies that show respect to the dinosaurs and prehistoric vegetation that fuel our modern economy. As Musk has stated himself, oil and gas are vital to civilization, and I’m reminded of their appeal every time I smell the sweet aroma of a yacht cruising down the California coast or see the twinkling metropolis while landing at LAX.
However, it certainly would be great to power our lifestyles through sustainable options like solar energy (I’m an even bigger fan of nuclear energy). Here in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, where there’s on average 284 sunny days per year, many homeowners are deciding to install solar systems that help protect the environment, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and blackouts, and ultimately save money within 5-6 years.
Thanks to innovative scientists that we assume will bring progress to our world year after year, solar energy costs have fallen by 80% since 2010, according to the World Economic Forum. Government support has also incentivized homeowners to adopt solar, as seen in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act which allows homeowners to subtract 30% of their installation costs from their federal taxes.
But are luxury property owners adding panels to their roofs? There are many celebrities in LA and Beverly Hills leading the charge: Tom Brady, Pierce Brosnan, Jane Fonda, Lisa Ling, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio (of course), and Bryan Cranston, to name a few. New options like the Tesla solar roof are making it more subtle too.
To really make an impact, solar energy needs to be adopted by non-celebrities like myself. As prices continue to decline due to Swanson’s Law, which predicts a 75% cost decline every ten years, I assume more homeowners in the Southwest, Texas, and Florida will choose to install these systems. There’s clear benefits in the form of environmental stewardship, long term cost savings, and independence.
