Show your support for the solar revolution
Sun Day is a day of celebrating clean energy. Image by Mark Stebnicki
Sun Day is a celebration of solar and renewable energy. On Sept 21st, the autumn equinox, communities all over the country will gather to celebrate the progress we have made in moving towards renewable energy.
Strides towards renewable energy are being made all over the world. In 2024, more than 40% of the world’s electricity came from low-carbon renewable resources and nuclear power. The global demand for oil is dropping as the use of renewable energy becomes a more affordable option. Sweden is on track to reach their goal of 100% fossil fuel-free electricity production by 2040. In Costa Rica, more than 90% of electricity comes from renewable energy. Iceland heats most of its homes with geothermal power. China is home to more than half of the world’s solar and wind operating capacity. Global use of renewable energy has reached a tipping point that is causing this sustainable infrastructure to become more affordable.
Our current federal administration is creating hurdles to continuing the United States’ move towards renewable energy. The state of Vermont was set to receive $62.5 million in funding from the Biden administration to create the “Solar for All Vermont” program. This funding has been canceled by the Trump administration. The program would have given opportunities for low-income Vermonters to access solar energy through residential solar panels and community solar opportunities. Tax credits for solar panels will no longer be available after the end of this year, and many of the opportunities created by the Inflation Reduction Act are being eliminated.
Despite these political efforts to slow the growth of green energy and shift our reliance back to fossil fuels, market forces are incredibly powerful in the United States. Bank loans for fossil fuel projects are down 25% this year, and investors are backing clean energy as the market shows it to be a more stable investment. The growth of renewable energy may be slowed in our country, but it won’t be stopped.
Local action is already underway to step up and fill the gap. The Vermont Natural Resources Council is working to educate residents on the use of portable solar–small, affordable systems that can be used by renters and homeowners alike. Portable solar units connect to a building’s electrical system by plugging into a 120 V outlet and feeding energy back into the system. This year, Utah became the first state to pass a law supporting the use of portable solar units and creating a system of guidelines that allows them to be safely integrated into a home’s energy plan.
As the United States falls behind in its move towards green energy, it is more important than ever to let our local governments know that supporting sustainability is a priority. When our federal government fails to recognize the importance of shifting to renewable energy, our state and local governments will need to step in and take action.
You can make your voice heard by joining the Upper Valley Sun Day parade on Sunday, September 21st. The event will begin at 10:30 AM with a parade across the Ledyard Bridge and a festival on the Norwich Green. There will be a number of activities and demonstrations during the festival of solar and electric technologies. If you are not free to join the event, consider calling your local representatives and sharing your thoughts on renewable energy.
Join the Upper Valley Sun Day: Sunday, Sept 21st, 10:30 AM-1 PM
RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/upper-valley-sun-day