5 Millennial and GenZ Heroes Who Vote For Solar

As a renewable source of energy, solar has been growing for the past decade. Growth rates for solar installs soared as high as 34% in 2022 and the momentum continues in 2023. And why shouldn’t it? Solar energy is clean, sustainable and nigh unlimited. Solar panels don’t require much in the way of maintenance except for the occasional wash and are a constant source of energy (In daytime). With the rising popularity of solar panels, influential voices from across the globe have begun giving their opinions on solar, most of them positive. Here are 5 of the most notable celebrities from different spheres and their opinions on solar.

Elon Musk

When it comes to the billionaires, the 0.001 percenters, the hopelessly out of touch community, the world’s richest man is no stranger to renewable energy. Elon Musk, currently a controversial figure at least seems to have his head on straight when it comes to renewable energy and climate change. He has been an ardent believer in the power of solar and its potential for the future of humanity, having said that civilizations will be powered mostly by solar energy in the future and that a 10000 square mile (25899.88 sqkm) solar farm would be enough to power the entirety of the USA. While such claims are optimistic at best for now, he’s got the right idea. Tesla, his car company also sells solar panels, which ties into their renewable pitch rather well.

Narendra Modi

With politicians, there is no better candidate for being pro-solar than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his remarks to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Modi said India would aim to build 500 gigawatts of renewable energy and ensure that half of its energy mix comes from sources other than fossil fuels by 2030. To quote him directly, ““Today, solar energy is one such topic, in which the entire world sees its future. And for Indians, Sun has not only been worshipped for centuries but has also been at the centre of our lifestyle.” He is also on record having said that the potential of solar, wind and biogas in India is no less than any gold mine or oil field for India’s private sector. Modi is a refreshing breath of fresh air from the average politician, making his views on renewable energy clear. More importantly, he has walked the talk, pushing hard for India’s solar targets as well as a manufacturing ecosystem in his country.  While his detractors might fault him for much, his views on solar are favorable to humanity and sustainability as a whole.

Leonardo DiCaprio

As for the celebrities, Leonardo Dicaprio is one of the biggest voices we have when it comes to his support for solar energy. He’s got solar power at his own house(s) and has invested millions into conservation and renewable energy causes, even becoming an investor and advisor for Kingo, a pioneer in decentralized clean energy services for off-grid communities via sources like solar energy. And he’s not done, as we see him seek more opportunities in the space.

ColdPlay

Amongst the news of Taylor Swift being the human being with the highest carbon footprint, it’s rather refreshing to find that Coldplay is working on doing the exact opposite. The band is one of the best when it comes to avoiding emissions, with their stages being powered almost fully by renewable energy, with solar being a major contributor. Their FIX YOU eco-friendly tour cut down their emissions by nearly 47 percent, a massive amount. The band members travel via commercial flights whenever flying is required to further cut down on emissions. They even make use of less conventional sources of renewable energy, like kinetic floors.

JerryRigEverything

The digital influencer space has its fair share of environmental activists, with the best example being Jerryrigeverything. His series on solar, recycling and electricity-based vehicles have been both educating and entertaining. While his bread and butter is testing the durability of consumer electronics and tearing them down, he’s also been a massive proponent of Right to Repair, a movement centered around preventing manufacturers from locking down on consumers’ devices by preventing third parties from repairing them. He’s also involved in multiple instances of charity work and has developed an off-roader (NOT) wheelchair.

As for influential voices against solar, it’s hard to find any which don’t have ulterior motives. Occidental CEO Vicki Hollub is on record to have said that fossil fuels aren’t a problem, it’s carbon emissions. That sounds a bit contradictory, considering fossil fuels contribute to about 78% of the total carbon emissions we produce. Multiple republicans in the USA are also against solar, influenced by oil money again. And then there are the NIMBY (not in my own backyard) activists and their approach to solar, who want it anywhere but their own regions.

Written By Yash Singh