Benefits Solar Energy and VPPs for your Home and Neighborhood

Solar Data from Tesla App

Introduction

The above screenshot captures a day’s solar energy generation, storage, and use of 66.5 kWh in rainy Portland, Oregon. It also offers a glimpse into how one household harnesses solar power to meet its energy needs while contributing to the broader energy ecosystem. By participation in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Smart Battery Pilot program, this setup shows the potential of distributed energy resources. The integration of solar energy systems with Tesla Powerwalls, represents a significant step toward sustainable living and grid resilience. We'll explore the implications of this, its financial and environmental benefits, and its impact on the neighborhood, particularly under a time-of-use electricity plan and virtual power plant (VPP) participation.

This screenshot showcases solar energy and its distribution across home use, EV charging, storage, and grid export, underscoring the potential of integrated home solar and battery systems.

Energy Distribution and Personal Benefits

The Tesla app screenshot illustrates a well-balanced energy distribution, with 57% (38.5 kWh) powering the home directly, 15% (10.0 kWh) charging an electric vehicle (EV), 18% (12.4 kWh) stored in the Powerwalls, and 10% (6.6 kWh) fed to the grid. This configuration highlights the system’s efficiency in meeting daily energy demands while leveraging storage for future use. Tesla's Charge-on-Solar feature allows surplus solar to charge the EV only when solar production outpaces the home's needs. With a total storage capacity of 40.5 kWh across three Powerwall 2s, the household can store excess solar energy generated during the day, as evidenced by the 12.4 kWh stored. This stored energy is used during peak rate times (5PM till 9PM) under the time-of-use (or time-of-day) plan. This strategy reduces reliance on grid electricity, which is costlier during peak hours, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually depending on rate differentials.

Participation in PGE’s Smart Battery Pilot program further enhances financial benefits. The program compensates participants $1.70 per kWh for energy discharged during Peak Time Events, which occur approximately 10 times a year. If the household discharges 25 kWh per event, it could earn $42 per event, totaling ~$420 annually. This income, combined with the avoided peak costs and the net metering credits from the energy exported to the grid provides a robust financial incentive. Environmentally, the system displaces fossil fuel-based grid electricity with clean solar power, reducing the household’s and the grid's carbon footprint.

The integration of solar energy systems with battery storage represents a significant step toward sustainable living and grid resilience.

Neighborhood Impact and Grid Stability

The household’s energy setup has far-reaching implications for the neighborhood, particularly through its role in PGE’s VPP initiative. The 6.6 kWh exported to the grid, as depicted in the screenshot, contributes to a collective effort that stabilizes the grid during peak demand periods. When the sun is shining, the air conditioner units are running, and solar feed-in is helping power them. By aggregating energy from participating homes, a VPP event reduces the need for peaker plants, which are notorious for their high CO2 emissions. This collective action supports PGE’s goal of incorporating more renewable energy sources, enhancing grid reliability across the community.

Moreover, the local storage and generation of energy decreases transmission line demands. This reduces energy losses that occur over long distances and eases the strain on infrastructure, potentially delaying costly upgrades. If more neighbors adopt similar systems, the neighborhood could become a model of resilience, capable of withstanding outages more effectively. The Powerwalls’ backup capacity ensures the household remains powered during disruptions, a benefit that could extend to the community if adoption grows, mirroring successes seen in other regions during severe weather events.

Economically, widespread participation in VPP programs could lower electricity costs for the neighborhood by reducing the utility’s infrastructure investment needs. The compensation paid to participants, such as the $1.70 per kWh from PGE, also circulates money within the community, stimulating local economic activity. Environmentally, a neighborhood with high solar and battery adoption significantly cuts its collective carbon footprint, aligning with broader climate goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

This system exemplifies how individual action can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Conclusion

The Tesla app screenshot, showcasing one day's 66.5 kWh of solar energy generation and its distribution across home use, EV charging, Powerwall storage, and grid export, underscores the transformative potential of integrated solar and battery systems. For this Portland household with three Powerwall 2s, the setup offers substantial financial savings through time-of-use optimization and VPP earnings, alongside significant environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions. The neighborhood reaps rewards through enhanced grid stability, reduced transmission demands, and increased resilience, with the potential for economic and ecological improvements as adoption spreads. This system exemplifies how individual action can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

If you want solar and/or batteries for your home, here are some referrals: 

If you're within 50 miles of SunPath's office in Beaverton, Oregon, I recommend getting a quote from them for your solar project. Also (before or after you have the quote), tell them you were referred by Patrick from CarsWithCords.net, you'll get $500 off, and I'll receive a referral bonus.

If you're considering Tesla for your solar project, you can use my referral code (https://ts.la/patrick7819) for $500 off, and I'll receive referral points for Tesla merch.

   

Ω

Energy Wars

AI Image

No country has ever been invaded or bombed for their solar production capacity.

The air quality and emission reduction benefits from renewable energy are obvious and oft discussed. Today, I'd like to cover an equally important aspect of renewables that is mentioned far less frequently; let's talk about conflict and war.

Renewable energy is emerging as a powerful force in reducing global conflicts and fostering peace by decreasing reliance on finite (zero-sum) fossil fuels. Resources have long been a source of geopolitical tension. The shift to clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, offers a path to energy independence, thereby reducing the leverage that resource-rich nations hold over others. This transition has the potential to mitigate conflicts driven by competition for oil, methane, and coal reserves, which have historically fueled inequality, instability, war, and environmental damage.

Key Benefits and Challenges of Renewable Energy in Reducing Conflicts

Aspect	Benefits	Challenges
Energy Independence	Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, lowering geopolitical tensions.	Political capture by the fossil fuel industry.
Economic Stability	Creates jobs, reduces poverty, and stabilizes economies, lowering unrest.	Fossil fuel exporters may face economic instability during the transition.
Climate Impact	Mitigates climate-driven conflicts over resources, e.g., water and land.	Initial investment costs may strain developing nations.
Geopolitical Leverage	Cannot be weaponized, unlike oil and methane, promoting global peace.	As long as there are people, there will always be something else to fight over.

At the Sydney Energy Forum in 2022, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted the unique advantage of renewables. She stated, “No country has ever been held hostage to access to the sun. No country has ever been held hostage to access to the wind. They have not ever been weaponized, nor will they be.” Her words are just as true now as they were then, and they underscore a critical point: unlike fossil fuels, which are concentrated in specific regions and controlled by a handful of nations, renewable energy resources are abundant and universally accessible. Solar and wind energy cannot be embargoed or manipulated to exert political pressure. This universal availability reduces the risk of energy becoming a tool for coercion, as seen in historical conflicts over oil fields or gas pipelines.

Supporting renewable energy is supporting a global peace plan.

Granholm further emphasized the broader implications of this shift, exclaiming, “Our move to clean energy globally could be the greatest peace plan of all.” By investing in renewables, countries can achieve energy security without relying on volatile regions or authoritarian regimes that control fossil fuel supplies. This reduces the incentive for conflicts over resource-rich territories, such as those in the Middle East, where oil wealth has often fueled proxy wars and international disputes. A world powered by clean energy is less likely to see nations vying for control of energy resources, as every country can harness its own wind, sun, or water to meet energy needs.

Distributed renewable energy is distributed social empowerment.

Moreover, the economic benefits of renewables can further promote peace. Clean energy projects create jobs and stimulate local economies, reducing poverty and inequality, which are often the root causes of unrest. Unlike oil wealth, which tends to concentrate in the hands of a few, renewable energy benefits can be distributed more equitably, fostering social stability. By addressing energy poverty in developing nations, renewables can also prevent resource-driven insurgencies, where competition for scarce resources fuels violence.

In conclusion, the global transition to renewable energy is more than an environmental necessity; it is a strategic move toward peace. By eliminating the weaponization of energy resources, as Granholm articulated, and mitigating the economic shocks caused by reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, renewables pave the way for a more stable, equitable world. As nations embrace clean energy, they reduce the incentives for conflict, making renewable energy a cornerstone of global security in the 21st century as we move to a Future Free from Fossil Fuels.

Breaking the Barrier: Energy Efficiency Solutions for Renters and Landlords

Why Landlords Are Losing Money by Ignoring Energy Upgrades

Introduction

The push for energy efficiency in residential properties is vital for sustainability, yet renters and landlords face a unique challenge in making these improvements. Renters cannot install upgrades such as heat pumps, high-efficiency furnaces, insulation, solar panels, or energy storage systems on a home they do not own. While landlords, who typically do not pay the rental's unit utility bills, often see little reason to invest in energy efficiency. This misalignment creates a dilemma that hinders progress toward greener homes. Organizations like the Energy Trust of Oregon offer incentives to bridge this gap, providing solutions that benefit both parties. This article explores the renter-landlord dilemma, proposed solutions, and specific incentives available (as of July  2025 and things are changing quickly).

The Renter and Landlord Dilemma

The core issue lies in the split incentives between renters and landlords. Renters bear the cost of utility bills but cannot make structural changes without landlord approval. For example, installing a heat pump or adding insulation requires significant investment and property access, which renters often cannot authorize. And, why would a renter want to spend their own money upgrading a property that they do not own? Conversely, landlords, who do not pay the rental unit's utility bills, so they lack a direct financial motivation to fund these upgrades. While energy-efficient homes could increase property value and tenant satisfaction, the upfront costs and lack of immediate returns often deter action, limiting both parties ability to implement energy-saving upgrades. This creates a stalemate where neither party can fully capitalize on the benefits of energy efficiency. The challenge is particularly bad in older rental properties, where outdated systems lead to higher energy costs.

Possible Solutions

Addressing this dilemma requires aligning the interests of renters and landlords through incentives, education, and policy support. The Energy Trust of Oregon offers several programs to make energy efficiency upgrades accessible. 

• Incentives for a Renter-Landlord Win-Win Future

For renters, free Home Energy Reviews provide personalized recommendations to reduce energy use, while income-qualified households can access weatherization programs and community solar credits, which offer bill savings without requiring property ownership. Portland-area renters can attend free workshops by the Community Energy Project to learn low-cost energy-saving techniques, such as installing draft-stopping materials. For landlords, cash rebates reduce the cost of upgrades like heat pumps and insulation, making investments more attractive. These incentives, detailed in the table below. Beyond Oregon, the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program supports low-income renters with free home upgrades, while California's DSIRE lists rebates and financing for multifamily properties. Policy measures, such as requiring energy efficiency disclosures in rental agreements or offering tax credits for landlords, could further encourage participation.

Landlord Incentives

The Energy Trust of Oregon provides cash rebates to landlords for energy-efficient upgrades in single-family and manufactured homes in Oregon and Washington. The following tables outline the incentives available:

Oregon Incentives for Single-Family and Manufactured Homes

Upgrade	Amount	Details
Ductless heat pump	$1,800	Replacing electric resistance heat, HSPF2 ≥ 8.10, contractor-installed
Ducted heat pump	$3,000	HSPF2 ≥ 7.5, replacing electric forced-air furnace, cannot combine with other heat pump incentives
Heat pump controls	$250	Qualifying products, contractor-installed, electric furnace backup, lockout at 35°F or lower
Extended capacity heat pump	$2,000	Qualifying products, no gas backup, cannot combine with other heat pump incentives
Gas furnace	$1,600	95% AFUE or greater, primary heat source, CO monitor required
Smart thermostat	Up to $250	Wi-Fi connected, qualifying products, contractor-installed
Attic insulation	$1.50/sq ft	R-18 or less to R-38+ for single-family, R-30+ for manufactured homes
Wall insulation	$2.25/sq ft	R-4 or less to R-11, manufactured homes not eligible
Floor insulation	$1.00/sq ft (single-family), $1.25/sq ft (manufactured)	R-11 or less to R-30+ for single-family, R-22+ for manufactured homes

Washington State Incentives for Detached Single-Family, Manufactured Homes, and Small Multifamily

Upgrade	Amount	Details
Gas furnace	$1,600	95% AFUE or greater, primary heat source, CO monitor required
Gas tankless water heater	$400	ENERGY STAR qualified, see product list
Smart thermostat	Up to $250	Wi-Fi connected, gas forced-air furnace, contractor-installed
Attic insulation	$1.25/sq ft	Gas-heated, R-11 or less to R-38+
Wall insulation	$1.25/sq ft	Gas-heated, R-4 or less to R-11, manufactured homes not eligible
Floor insulation	$1.25/sq ft	Gas-heated, R-0 to R-30+

These incentives are provided through qualified Energy Trust trade ally contractors, with applications required within 60 days of installation.

(https://www.energytrust.org/residential/residential-renters/)(https://www.energytrust.org/residential/incentives/furnace-and-heat-pump)

Conclusion

The renter-landlord dilemma hinders energy efficiency in rental properties, but targeted incentives from organizations like the Energy Trust of Oregon offer practical solutions. By providing free resources for renters and substantial rebates for landlords, these programs align financial and environmental goals. Broader adoption, supported by policy changes and increased awareness, could further enhance the impact, creating more sustainable and comfortable rental homes.

Tesla Plans Robotaxis in 37 Cities This Year

Scaling Tesla's Robotaxi Service:
50% of US Population by 2025

Tesla’s Robotaxi service, launched in Austin, Texas, on June 22, 2025, is a bold move toward autonomous transportation. On the recent financial call, Elon Musk announced that robotaxi service will expand significantly in Austin, launch in the Bay Area within one to two months, and cover 50% of the US population by the end of 2025. This an ambitious scalability plan. How many cities would the service need to operate in to cover 50% of the US population? 

The Austin pilot began with 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles in a 42-square-mile geofenced area, with safety monitors onboard. By July 2025, the fleet had grown to about 35 vehicles. The service relies on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, using cameras and AI. The service currently charges $4.20 per ride and is invite-only for select users.

Musk’s goal to reach 50% of the US population (approximately 170.9 million people) by year-end requires expanding to major metropolitan areas. Based on 2024 Census Bureau data, the top 37 metropolitan areas are home to about 171.7 million people. Musk has named Austin, the Bay Area, Phoenix, Florida (Miami/Tampa), and Nevada (Las Vegas) as targets, with more cities planned. The top 5 areas likely to be included, based on population and Musk’s statements, are:

• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (19.6 million): The largest US metro area, critical for population coverage.
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (13.3 million): A key West Coast hub, complementing the Bay Area.
• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI (9.9 million): A major Midwest market with high urban density.
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (8.1 million): A Texas expansion alongside Austin, leveraging permissive regulations.
• San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA (4.6 million): The Bay Area, explicitly named by Musk for near-term launch.

To cover 50% of the US population, Tesla would need to operate in approximately 37 metropolitan areas, based on cumulative population data. Tesla’s generalized FSD approach, designed to adapt without city-specific mapping, could enable rapid deployment. Musk predicts over 1,000 Cybercabs in Austin by 2026, leveraging Tesla’s manufacturing capacity.

However, challenges persist. Videos show Austin robotaxis making errors, like veering into oncoming lanes, and a July 2025 incident involved a safety driver averting a train collision. Regulatory hurdles, like Texas’s September 2025 autonomous vehicle law and California’s strict permitting process, could delay expansion. Tesla’s current reliance on teleoperators limits cost efficiency, and achieving a 100:1 vehicle-to-supervisor ratio demands further software advancements.

Ride costs of $0.25 to $0.40 per mile could disrupt ride-hailing and reduce emissions. Success hinges on overcoming safety, regulatory, and trust barriers.

Wrapping Up 

In conclusion, Tesla’s Robotaxi service is poised to revolutionize transportation, targeting 50% of the US population by the end of 2025 with its expansion to 37 metropolitan areas, starting with Austin and the Bay Area. Despite challenges in safety, regulation, and public trust, Tesla’s cost-effective FSD technology and vast vehicle fleet offer a promising path forward. This service provides affordable mobility far below traditional ride-hailing rates. For those unable to drive due to age, disability, or financial constraints, Robotaxi offers unprecedented access, fostering inclusivity and reducing reliance on personal vehicles, potentially reshaping urban mobility for all.

Here's the complete list to get to half of the US population: 

	Metropolitan Area
1	Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX: 2,368,947
2	San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA: 4,579,599
3	New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA: 19,641,225
4	Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: 13,288,904
5	Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI: 9,879,320
6	Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: 8,100,037
7	Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX: 7,510,246
8	Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: 6,432,346
9	Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL: 6,183,199
10	Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: 6,268,536
11	Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA: 6,345,112
12	Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: 5,070,110
13	Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: 4,919,294
14	Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA: 4,485,498
15	Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI: 4,365,250
16	Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: 4,044,837
17	Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: 3,706,478
18	San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA: 3,298,634
19	Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: 3,342,048
20	Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO: 3,005,131
21	St. Louis, MO-IL: 2,818,249
22	Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: 2,848,104
23	Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: 2,805,115
24	Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: 2,817,933
25	San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX: 2,703,378
26	Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: 2,510,352
27	Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA: 2,428,209
28	Pittsburgh, PA: 2,346,747
29	Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV: 2,336,989
30	Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: 2,288,614
31	Kansas City, MO-KS: 2,221,297
32	Columbus, OH: 2,180,271
33	Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN: 2,142,193
34	Cleveland-Elyria, OH: 2,030,305
35	Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN: 2,104,235
36	Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC: 1,854,876
37	Jacksonville, FL: 1,713,432

Why You Need Solar - Ever Increasing Utility Bills

PGE: Electricity Costs and Emissions (2007–2025)

The cost of electricity and its environmental impact have been critical concerns for many energy customers for a long time. In 2007, the residential rate was 8.19¢ per kWh. Today in 2025, the price is more than double at 17.43¢.

Over the past couple of decades, electricity prices have risen steadily, while carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions per kilowatt-hour (kWh) have decreased significantly. This article explores the historical trends in Portland General Electric's (PGE) residential electricity costs and emissions, key price change dates, and the transformative benefits of adopting solar panels and home battery systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall. By examining these trends and technologies, homeowners can better understand how to manage rising costs and contribute to a cleaner energy future.

Electricity Costs and Emissions Trends

From 2007 to 2025, PGE’s residential electricity prices increased from approximately 8.19 cents per kWh to 17.43 cents per kWh. That means PGE customers are now paying more than twice as much as they were in 2007. PGE is far from the only utility that's been raising rates. The average US electric bill is up ~40% from 2007 to 2025 (far outpacing inflation).

For PGE, each of these increases was approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). Notable price changes include an 18% increase on January 1, 2024, adding about $24 to monthly bills, and a 5.5% increase on January 1, 2025, raising average bills to around $160 per month, according to OPB reports. Additional adjustments, such as a 2% increase in April 2024 for wildfire mitigation, highlight the dynamic ever-increasing nature of utility pricing.

CO2 emissions per kWh have decreased significantly, from an estimated 0.5 pounds per kWh in 2007 to approximately 0.05 pounds per kWh by 2025. This reduction is largely due to the closure of the coal-fired Boardman plant in 2020 and PGE’s increased reliance on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, aligning with Oregon’s clean energy mandates and PGE’s goal of an 80% emissions reduction by 2030. These changes have made PGE’s energy mix cleaner, but rising costs continue to challenge homeowners.

Benefits of Solar Panels and Home Batteries

Installing solar panels and home battery systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, offers significant advantages for PGE customers during this period of rising electricity costs and evolving energy policies. These benefits include cost savings, energy independence, environmental impact, and resilience against outages.

Cost Savings: Solar panels allow homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on PGE’s grid and offsetting rising costs. For example, with rates reaching 17.43 cents per kWh in 2025, a solar system producing 10,000 kWh annually could save approximately $1,743 per year. Home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall store excess solar energy for use during peak pricing hours or at night, further reducing bills. Oregon’s solar incentives, including federal tax credits and potential state rebates, can lower installation costs, making solar and storage systems more accessible.

Energy Independence: Solar and battery systems provide greater control over energy consumption. By storing solar energy, homeowners can avoid purchasing electricity during high-cost periods, especially as PGE’s tiered rates increase (e.g., 19.45 cents per kWh for usage above 1,000 kWh in 2025). This independence is particularly valuable given the 18% and 5.5% rate hikes in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Environmental Impact: With PGE’s emissions dropping to 0.05 pounds per kWh by 2025, solar panels further reduce a household’s carbon footprint by producing clean energy. Pairing solar with a Powerwall ensures that clean energy is used efficiently, minimizing reliance on grid power, which, despite improvements, still includes some fossil fuel sources. This aligns with Oregon’s sustainability goals and supports PGE’s clean energy transition.

Resilience Against Outages: The Tesla Powerwall provides backup power during outages, which are increasingly common due to wildfires and extreme weather in Oregon. With a capacity of 13.5 kWh, a single Powerwall can power essential appliances for hours, enhancing home resilience. This is particularly relevant given PGE’s investments in wildfire mitigation, which contributed to rate increases in 2024.

Timeline of Annual Price and Emissions Averages

The following table summarizes estimated annual average electricity costs and CO2 emissions per kWh for PGE residential customers from 2007 to 2025, based on EIA data, PGE tariffs, and emission trends:

Year	Average Cost per kWh (cents)	CO2 Emissions per kWh (lbs)	Notes
2007	8.19	~0.5	Initial high coal use
2008	8.49	~0.48	Emissions slightly lower
2009	8.68	~0.45	Economic factors
2010	8.87	~0.42	Baseline emissions
2011	9.54	~0.40	Policy shifts
2012	9.80	~0.38	Renewable integration
2013	9.93	~0.35	Minor price increase
2014	10.20	~0.33	More renewables
2015	10.50	~0.30	Emissions down
2016	10.80	~0.28	Steady increase
2017	11.10	~0.25	Inflation impact
2018	11.40	~0.23	Renewable growth
2019	11.70	~0.20	Pre-Boardman closure
2020	12.00	~0.18	Boardman closure
2021	12.30	~0.15	Rapid renewable growth
2022	12.60	~0.13	4% price increase
2023	13.00	~0.10	Lower emissions
2024	16.52	~0.08	18% rate hike
2025	17.43	~0.05	5.5% increase

Note: Emissions estimates are based on trends and PGE’s targets; exact figures may vary.

Conclusion

The period from 2007 to 2025 marks a transformative era for PGE residential customers, with electricity costs rising from 8.19 to 17.43 cents per kWh and emissions dropping an order of magnitude from 0.5 to 0.05 pounds per kWh. Solar panels and home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall offer a compelling solution, providing cost savings, energy independence, environmental benefits, and resilience. As PGE continues its clean energy transition, homeowners can leverage these technologies to mitigate rising costs and contribute to a sustainable future. For detailed tariff information, visit PGE’s rate information, and for sustainability data, check out PGE’s sustainability page.

Referrals

If you're within 50 miles of SunPath's office in Beaverton, Oregon, I recommend getting a quote from them for your solar project. Also (after you have the quote) if you tell them you were referred by Patrick from CarsWithCords.net, you'll get $500 off and I'll receive a referral bonus.

If you're considering Tesla for your solar project, you can use my referral code (https://ts.la/patrick7819) for $500 off and I'll receive referral points for Tesla merch.

   

Ω

The Future is Autonomous

Image by Grok

The future is poised to be increasingly autonomous. 

Do you wash your clothes by hand? If you are reading this, you most likely use a washing machine. The automated washing machine relieves you of the burden and labor of washing bedding, clothes, and other items by hand. This frees you up to pursue other things. 

Now imagine a machine that automatically collects the dirty laundry, properly sorts items, applies a stain stick to that salsa spot on your favorite shirt, loads the washing machine, selects the correct settings, adds the right detergents and fabric softner, when the spin cycle is complete, it moves the load to the dryer, includes your preferred scent dryer sheet; when the dryer is done, it fold thems, and finally put thems away. Autonomy promises to make this happen.

The use of automated machines has significantly improved our quality of life by reducing manual labor, increasing efficiency, and freeing time for creative and intellectual pursuits. Autonomy is the next level in automation evolution. Autonomy builds on the transformative impact that automation has already had in reshaping humanity. Autonomy enables systems to make decisions and adapt to dynamic environments without requiring human intervention. This shift promises to revolutionize industries, enhance personal convenience, and address complex global challenges.

Before automation, tasks like laundry were grueling and time-consuming. In the early 1800s, washing clothes involved hauling water from wells or rivers, heating it over fires, and scrubbing garments by hand on washboards. This process often took an entire day and required significant physical effort. The introduction of the washing machine marked a turning point. Early machines were powered by hand cranks; yet still reduced physical strain. Later, with the addition of electric motors and automation, the washing, rinsing, and spin-dry processes could all occur in sequence without a person needing to turn a crank. This innovation saved hours of labor, allowing people to redirect time toward education, other work, or leisure. By 2020, over 80% of households in developed nations included washing machines, transforming domestic life. This is just one example and it underscores how automation alleviates repetitive, labor-intensive tasks.

           

Autonomy is the evolution of automation. It promises to significantly enhance our quality of life by intelligently managing tasks while addressing global challenges.

Apply this same autonomy evolution to washing dishes, grocery shopping, lawn care, and more. Automation has already revolutionized industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. Assembly lines, powered by robotic arms, produce goods with precision and speed, reducing costs and improving access to products like cars and electronics. In healthcare, automated diagnostic tools analyze medical images with accuracy rivaling human experts, enabling faster treatment. These advancements have raised living standards, with global poverty rates dropping from 36% in 1990 to under 10% in 2020, partly due to automation-driven economic growth.

Autonomy will bring a next wave industrial revolution.

Autonomy represents the next frontier, where systems not only perform tasks but also make intelligent decisions. Autonomous vehicles use sensors and AI to navigate roads. This will reduce human error, which causes over 90% of traffic incidents. By 2030, projections suggest autonomous cars could reduce road fatalities by up to 80% in urban areas. In logistics, autonomous drones and robots optimize delivery routes, cutting costs and emissions. In agriculture, self-driving tractors and AI-powered systems monitor soil, infestations, and crop health, boosting yields while minimizing water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. These advancements promise to address global challenges like food security and climate change, with autonomous systems adapting to real-time data in ways static automation cannot. 

Beyond industry, autonomy can enhance personal life. Smart homes autonomously regulate temperature by looking at weather predictions and your usage patterns, lighting, and security, improving comfort and energy efficiency. Virtual assistants, evolving into autonomous agents, manage schedules, suggest activities, and even anticipate needs based on user habits. This shift frees individuals from mundane tasks, much like the washing machine did, allowing more time for creativity, relationships, and personal growth.

The trajectory from labor-intensive laundry to automated washing machines to autonomous systems illustrates a clear trend: technology evolves to serve human needs more intelligently. Autonomy builds on the foundation of automation, promising a future where systems not only work for us but also make smart choices for us, enhancing efficiency, safety, and personal quality of life while addressing global issues.

Maximize Savings with Heat Pumps Before Federal Incentives Fade

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law. This legislation eliminates many rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient technologies, including solar panels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. With these incentives disappearing, there's a narrowing window to adopt cost-saving, eco-friendly technologies, which are central to achieving energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Heat pumps are a cornerstone of modern energy efficiency. These systems work by transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion. They are ~50% more efficient than traditional heating methods like electric furnaces or baseboard heaters. They can be used heat and cool your home. To heat, they extract heat from the outside air and move it into your home. Even cold air has heat energy (on the Kelvin scale). Some cold-climate heat pumps can maintain effective operation down to -22°F (-30°C). To cool your home in the summer, they extract the heat from the warm are in your home and pump it outside. This is exactly the same way that modern AC units operate. 

The efficiency of heat pumps translates into substantial savings on utility bills, often offsetting the initial installation cost over time. Providing both heating and cooling makes them a versatile solution for the increasingly variable climate, where summers bring intense heat and winters can dip into freezing temperatures. Environmentally, they are a game-changer, producing significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel-based systems. 

For those concerned about extreme cold, a hybrid system pairing a heat pump with a high-efficiency furnace ensures reliable warmth year-round. In this setup, the heat pump handles heating during mild to moderately cold weather, operating at peak efficiency. When temperatures drop below the heat pump’s optimal range (typically 20-30°F, though newer models perform well in even lower temperatures), the high-efficiency furnace takes over. This combination minimizes furnace use, often reducing it to one-tenth of what it would be in a traditional system, slashing energy costs and extending the furnace’s lifespan. Hybrid systems offer the best of both worlds: the eco-friendly efficiency of a heat pump and the reliability of a furnace for the coldest days. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to balance comfort, cost, and environmental impact.

The urgency to adopt heat pumps is heightened by the One Big Beautiful Bill’s impact. Federal incentives, which previously covered significant portions of heat pump installation costs (often up to $2,000 or more through tax credits), are being phased out, and many state-level rebates face funding uncertainty. You must act swiftly to capitalize on remaining incentives before they vanish.

To explore available opportunities, several resources provide comprehensive incentive information. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), found at https://www.dsireusa.org/, is a leading platform detailing federal, state, and utility-specific rebates and tax credits for heat pumps and other energy-efficient technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s website (https://www.energy.gov/) offers guidance on federal programs and energy-saving tips, while Energy Star (https://www.energystar.gov/) helps users find certified heat pumps and locate local rebates. The Oregon Department of Energy’s website (https://www.oregon.gov/energy) provides updates on state initiatives, including those tied to the 2023 Climate Resilience package. Local utilities may also list regional incentives on their websites, often tailored to heat pump installations.

Move quickly and don't get left out in the cold.

20 Laps Around Earth

Tesla Model 3 driving around Earth by ChatGPT

Since 2007, our home has been powered by solar energy, starting with a modest 4 kW photovoltaic (PV) system. In 2011, we expanded our system by adding 8.3 kW of additional panels, bringing the total capacity to 12.3 kW. This system has been quietly generating clean energy for nearly two decades. Recently, we celebrated two significant milestones that highlight our impact.

We previously showed, on November 8th, 2024, our home solar system had generated enough energy to drive to the moon and back. We also shared one sunny day near the summer solstice, a glimpse of our system’s performance, and now we’re thrilled to dive into two new achievements, tying them to a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range analogy.

On June 13, 2025, our solar panels reached a remarkable milestone: producing 144,405 kWh of energy since installation. This number is special because it represents enough energy to power a 2018 Tesla Model 3 to drive around Earth’s equator 20 times. The Earth’s equatorial circumference is approximately 24,901 miles, so 20 laps total 498,020 miles. Using an efficiency of 29 kWh per 100 miles, we calculate the energy required as follows: 498,020 miles ÷ 3.448 miles/kWh ≈ 144,405 kWh. For simplicity, this assumes 100% charging efficiency. Nearly half a million miles driven on clean solar energy from our roof is a testament to the power of just one residential solar roof.

2018 Tesla Model 3 LR: 

• 120 MPGe in the city
• 112 MPGe on the highway
• This translates to an estimated electricity consumption of 29 kWh per 100 miles

Just nine days later, on June 22, 2025, our PV system crossed another milestone, producing its 145,012th kWh. This amount pushed us past the equivalent of 500,000 miles driven by the same Tesla Model 3. The calculation is straightforward: 500,000 miles ÷ 3.448 miles/kWh ≈ 145,012 kWh. Reaching this half-million-mile mark feels like breaking the tape at a finish line, a symbolic victory for sustainable energy. 

Our small rooftop system, tucked away in a residential neighborhood, has been working tirelessly every day to generate clean power, contributing to a greener future. These milestones highlight the incredible potential of solar energy. From a 4 kW start to a 12.3 kW powerhouse, our system has offset significant carbon emissions, equivalent to driving a high-efficiency electric vehicle across vast solar system distances. The fact that one home’s solar array can produce enough energy to power a car for half a million miles underscores the scalability of renewable energy. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the quiet, consistent work of a single rooftop reducing reliance on fossil fuels. I hope this inspires you to start or continue your own solar journey. One little roof, one sunny day at a time, can make a world of difference.

When You're in a Climate Hole, Stop Digging

From Oil Wells to Floodwaters: The Case for Climate Action #KeepItInTheGround's Mission to End the Fossil Fuel Crisis

  

Key Points

• Fossil fuel extraction, such as coal mining and oil drilling, contributes to climate change, which may increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, like the recent Texas floods in July 2025.
• Stopping fossil fuel extraction, as advocated by movements like #keepitintheground, will help mitigate climate impacts, though the transition involves complex economic and social challenges.
• The @FFfFossilFuels account advocates for a safe end to fossil fuel use.

Recent Texas Floods and Climate Connection

In July 2025, Texas faced catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Hill Country, with over 100 deaths and many missing, as reported by multiple sources. This event, driven by heavy rainfall from a stalled storm system, aligns with research suggesting climate change, fueled by fossil fuel emissions, intensifies extreme weather events like floods. Evidence suggests that warmer temperatures hold more moisture, leading to heavier precipitation and increased risk of flash floods, as noted in the Wikipedia article on the July 2025 Central Texas floods.

Fossil Fuels and Environmental Impact

Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and methane gas, supply about 80% of global energy, but their extraction and burning release greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. The United Nations and National Geographic highlight that these emissions trap heat, altering weather patterns and increasing flood risks. The EESI fact sheet estimates the cost of such weather events in the US at $606.9 billion between 2016 and 2020, underscoring the economic impact.

The #keepitintheground Movement

The #keepitintheground hashtag, seen in campaigns like keepitintheground.org and The Guardian, calls for halting new fossil fuel extraction to combat climate change. It serves as a rallying cry for leaving coal, oil, and gas unextracted, supported by science suggesting we must limit warming to safe levels, as per Nature’s findings.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Fossil Fuels, Climate Change, and Recent Environmental Disasters

Introduction

This report explores the environmental implications of fossil fuel extraction, particularly in light of the recent catastrophic floods in Texas in July 2025, and examines related movements like #keepitintheground and the @FFfFossilFuels account. Drawing from extensive research, this analysis aims to provide a detailed understanding of the connections between fossil fuels, climate change, and extreme weather events, while addressing advocacy efforts to mitigate these impacts.

Background on Recent Texas Floods

On July 3, 2025, a stalled storm system, linked to the remnant circulation of Atlantic Tropical Storm Barry, caused heavy rains over Central Texas, leading to deadly flooding from July 4 to July 7, especially along the Guadalupe River. According to The New York Times, at least 111 people died, with the death toll potentially rising as 173 remained missing by July 9, 2025. ABC News reported 120 deaths, with Kerr County hardest hit, recording 95 fatalities, including 36 children. NPR noted the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet within 45 minutes, highlighting the rapid onset of flash floods. The Guardian suggested these floods could signal a new norm, exacerbated by climate change, with experts warning of worsening weather disasters.

San Antonio’s rainfall intensity increased by 6% since 1970 and Austin’s by 19%, meaning more rain falls in a given hour than decades ago. This aligns with research from Climate Central, indicating a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, contributing to heavier precipitation events.

The Role of Fossil Fuels in Climate Change

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the primary energy sources, supplying about 80% of global energy, as per National Geographic. However, their extraction and combustion release significant greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, accounting for over 75% of global emissions, according to the United Nations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), cited by ClientEarth, found that 89% of global CO2 emissions in 2018 came from fossil fuels and industry, making them the dominant cause of global warming.

Burning fossil fuels traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures that alter weather patterns. The EESI fact sheet details climate externalities, including extreme weather events like flooding, costing the US $606.9 billion between 2016 and 2020. Amnesty International notes that 2023 saw record rainfall causing deadly flooding in Europe and China, linking these events to fossil fuel emissions. The Washington Post emphasizes that continued fossil fuel use risks missing the 1.5°C warming limit, exacerbating such disasters.

A study in Nature suggests that to limit warming to 1.5°C, nearly 60% of oil and fossil methane gas, and 90% of coal, must remain unextracted by 2050, highlighting the urgency of reducing fossil fuel reliance. 

The #keepitintheground Movement

The #keepitintheground hashtag emerged as a call to action against fossil fuel extraction, advocating for leaving these resources unexploited to mitigate climate change. Keepitintheground.org states, “The science is settled. There can be no new pipelines, no new permits, no new exploration, and no more excuses,” emphasizing the need to halt new fossil fuel development. The Guardian features a series on climate change and fossil fuel divestment, aligning with this movement.

Keep It in the Ground blog notes, “Science has spoken: the path to a sustainable future for people, wildlife and the planet does not include fossil fuels,” urging action to avoid the worst climate impacts. Intercontinental Cry, a media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of Indigenous peoples worldwide, collaborates with the Indigenous Environmental Network on #keepitintheground, focusing on journalistic efforts to highlight the issue. This movement is supported by findings like those in Nature, suggesting significant unextractable fossil fuels to meet climate goals.

The @FFfFossilFuels Account and Broader Advocacy

The @FFfFossilFuels account supports campaigns like “Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels” and “Stop Fossil Fuels,” which demand government action to phase out fossil fuels. These efforts align with the #keepitintheground movement, advocating for a transition to renewable energy. 

Discussion and Implications

The recent Texas floods, with their devastating impact, underscore the urgency of addressing fossil fuel extraction. The connection between these events and climate change, driven by burning fossil fuels, is supported by multiple sources, including UNEP and EESI. The #keepitintheground movement and accounts like @FFfFossilFuels represent critical advocacy, but the transition involves economic challenges, as noted by The Washington Post, with communities dependent on fossil fuel industries needing support.

Conclusion

The evidence points to fossil fuel extraction deepening environmental crises like the Texas floods, necessitating action like that promoted by #keepitintheground and @FFfFossilFuels. This report highlights the need for a balanced approach, considering both environmental and social dimensions of phasing out fossil fuel usage, to forge a sustainable future.

Detailed Data Table: Impact of Fossil Fuels and Climate Change

Aspect	Details
Global Energy Supply	Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) account for about 80% of energy, per National Geographic
Greenhouse Gas Emissions	Over 75% of global emissions from fossil fuels, per United Nations
Climate Impact	Leads to global warming, altering weather patterns, increasing flood risks, per EESI
Economic Cost (2016-2020)	$606.9 billion in US for extreme weather events, including flooding, per EESI
Unextractable Reserves	60% oil, 90% coal must remain unextracted by 2050 for 1.5°C limit, per Nature

Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Big Beautiful Bill on Energy Systems and Our Future

Grid Stability

Grid stability requires matching electricity supply with demand using reliable, flexible sources. The One Big Beautiful Bill’s (OBBB) emphasis on fossil fuels makes the grid vulnerable to long-term exposures to fuel price swings or supply issues. It also diverts funding from modern solutions like battery storage or smart grids, which are crucial for adapting to extreme weather and changing demand patterns. Without these advancements, the grid could face inefficiencies or outages.

Renewable Energy Growth

OBBB will slow the rise of renewable energy. By favoring fossil fuels with subsidies and deregulation, it may pull resources away from solar, wind, and other clean energy options. Cuts to renewable tax credits, which have spurred jobs and investment, would make these sources less competitive. Additionally, easing environmental rules could let fossil fuels dominate markets, stalling the shift to sustainable energy, especially in areas still building clean infrastructure.

CO2 Emissions

OBBB’s fossil fuel focus would likely drive up CO2 emissions. Fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gases, and expanding their use would increase emissions significantly. Even with technologies like carbon capture, which aren’t effective, this approach clashes with climate goals. It could lock in high-carbon systems for years, worsening global warming and its impacts, like severe weather. Fossil fuels externalities will still exists, they just won't have to pay them, we all will with our health and well-being.

Interaction with Growing Energy Needs

Data centers, vital to the growing digital economy. They demand more energy for computing and cooling. OBBB’s fossil fuel push might initially meet this need with increased generation. Yet, many tech companies prefer renewables for sustainability and cost stability. By neglecting clean energy, OBBB could force reliance on high-carbon sources, raising costs and emissions. Without efficiency upgrades or grid improvements, it may fail to keep pace with demand, risking shortages.

Batteries and Peaker Plants

Peaker plant generators, used to supply extra power during peak demand, are among the dirtiest sources on the grid, often burning fossil fuels like natural gas or, even worse, diesel. This leads to higher emissions and air pollution per kWh. A cleaner alternative is renewables and battery storage. Batteries store excess energy from renewables, such as solar or wind, and release it when demand spikes, reducing reliance on peaker plants. Batteries also offer fast response times, adjusting quickly to demand shifts to maintain grid stability and prevent disruptions. Paired with renewables, batteries enhance grid performance, cut emissions, and support a sustainable energy future.

Conclusion

The One Big Beautiful Bill should really be called the Big Fossil Fuel Bill. Its fossil fuel-heavy strategy risks stifling renewable growth and locking in years of increased CO2 emissions. The strategy it promotes could struggle to meet the growing needs of datacenters. Integrating batteries and renewables offers a cleaner, more resilient path forward and will eventually be the winning solution. The OFFB is just one more chance for the fossil fuel industry to cling to the status quo and continue to extract from the Earth, while extracting cash from our pockets; all while choking us.