Summer Approaches: Time to Supercharge Your Solar Solutions!

As summer approaches, many Arizonans are bracing for the intense heat. Tim Stringham, a veteran who grew up in Arizona and served overseas, argues that a Phoenix summer can be unbearable for both residents and their vehicles.

Stringham expresses frustration over Arizona’s slow adoption of solar energy, especially compared to states like Texas. Once primarily reliant on fossil fuels, Texas has now become a leader in wind and solar energy production. As Arizona continues to lag behind states like Florida, North Carolina, and even Nevada, Stringham calls for renewed focus on solar resources.

He cites the solar panels constructed over parking lots at Arizona State University as a model for broader implementation. These installations not only produce clean energy but also provide much-needed shade, making outdoor activities more bearable during extreme heat.

Stringham envisions similar installations across Arizona’s grocery stores, schools, and hospitals. Utilizing solar energy in such spaces could significantly cut electricity costs while lessening heat damage to vehicles.

Progress has been made since the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, with over $13.34 billion in clean energy projects announced in Arizona, generating nearly 19,000 new jobs. However, Stringham notes that the state has also seen significant job losses and investment cutbacks since former President Trump took office, indicating a worrying trend for future growth.

The benefits of solar energy go beyond economic growth; they play a critical role in helping Arizona adapt to rising temperatures. Renewable energy offers job opportunities, particularly for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Positions in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are rapidly expanding.

Yet, Stringham warns that current legislative moves jeopardize these advancements. Recent initiatives by House Republicans threaten to undo policies facilitating clean energy projects, potentially resulting in a significant economic setback for the state. This ongoing situation illustrates the need for Arizona to prioritize practical solutions over politicized agendas.

Renewable energy should be embraced not as a partisan issue but as a necessary adaptation for a state experiencing rising temperatures. Stringham urges Arizona to seize the moment and lead in clean energy advancements to ensure a sustainable future.

As summer draws near, Arizona has the opportunity to enhance its reputation as a welcoming home for veterans and their families. Tim Stringham emphasizes that swift action is critical to securing the state’s clean energy progress and fostering healthier communities.

Tim Stringham is a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, having served in Afghanistan and currently functioning as Co-Executive Director of VetsForward—a veteran-led organization advocating for clean energy and climate resilience.