America’s grid is under strain — can rooftop solar panels be the solution?

As extreme weather events and rising electricity demand put increasing pressure on the U.S. power grid, rooftop solar panels are emerging as a potential solution. With utilities spending tens of billions of dollars on upgrades, decentralized solar systems could help households generate and store energy, while easing strain on the grid.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, rooftop systems could theoretically provide nearly half of the electricity residents in many states use annually, and as much as 74% in California. Paired with home battery storage, these systems allow homeowners to store excess energy for evening use or during outages, reducing reliance on traditional utilities.

Mary Powell, chief executive of Sunrun, the nation’s largest rooftop solar and home battery company, describes the approach as “a customer-led way to improve lives,” highlighting how individual adoption could complement larger energy infrastructure.

However, rooftop solar faces political, regulatory, and financial challenges. Federal programs that once supported low-income solar installations, including a $7 billion initiative, have been canceled. Congress has also ended some tax benefits for solar energy. In California, regulators have limited rooftop solar growth in favor of large-scale energy projects, while reducing credit values for new solar systems in 2023.

Calvin Butler, chief executive of Exelon and chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, stresses that utilities must integrate rooftop solar efficiently to maintain grid security and resiliency. Critics also warn that if too many homeowners disconnect from utilities, maintenance costs may be shifted to renters and those unable to afford solar panels.

Experts emphasize the importance of pairing solar panels with battery storage. Severin Borenstein, faculty director at the Haas School of Business’s Energy Institute at UC Berkeley, said, “Putting on solar without a battery, does almost nothing to help.” Proper installation, orientation, and ongoing maintenance are essential to maximize efficiency. 

Rooftop solar also presents financial benefits. Households can earn credits for excess energy fed back into the grid, potentially reducing annual utility bills by thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, state and utility programs continue to make solar more accessible for low-income households.

Rooftop solar panels demand little upkeep but benefit from periodic attention to maintain peak efficiency. According to industry analysis, property owners typically pay roughly $400 to $740 each year for professional servicing that encompasses both inspection and cleaning. Panels normally require washing once or twice a year, with the exact schedule varying depending on regional dust accumulation and climate patterns. Most installers recommend annual professional reviews to inspect electrical components, panel surfaces, support structures, and power conversion equipment for signs of wear, such as rust or failing connections. 

Homeowners can maximize their solar investment through strategic planning and regular monitoring. Proper panel orientation is critical, with panels in the Northern Hemisphere facing south and angled to match the geographical latitude for optimal sunlight capture. 

Scheduling high-energy appliances like dishwashers and electric vehicle chargers during peak solar production hours further optimizes energy use. Smart home technology and monitoring systems help identify performance issues early and adjust consumption patterns based on solar availability.

While limitations remain, including weather dependence, upfront costs, and rooftop space constraints, rooftop solar panels offer a practical, environmentally friendly, and resilient way to supplement America’s electricity needs. With careful deployment and supportive policies, distributed solar could play a central role in the nation’s energy future.

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