#813 Economics of Rooftop Solar Panels - Severin Borenstein

Harnessing the Sun: Dr. Severin Borenstein Unveils the Power and Politics of Rooftop Solar

The Not Old Better Show, Inside Science Interview Series

 

Welcome to a very special episode of the Not Old Better Show Inside Science Interview Series on radio and podcast.  Today’s episode is sponsord by Seed and Qualia Senolytic. I’m Paul Vogelzang and we’re going to delve into a topic that touches our lives each day, yet remains shrouded in both mystery and opportunity: the power of the sun harnessed through rooftop solar panels.

 

Joining us is Dr. Severin Borenstein, a preeminent voice on the economics of renewable energy and a visionary in the field of electricity pricing and policy. Dr. Borenstein, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley, brings not only his expertise but also a passion for a sustainable future that benefits us all.

 

In this episode, we'll explore the significant implications of solar energy incentives offered through initiatives like the federal Inflation Reduction Act, and what these mean for you, our listeners. Dr. Borenstein will break down the complexities of "net metering" and why it has become a contentious issue in the fight for fair energy distribution. We'll also take a journey through the evolving landscape of California's solar incentive policies, gleaning insights that could guide other states in fostering their own sustainable futures.

 

But this isn't just about policies and abstract economics—it's about the real-world impact on individuals and communities. It's about understanding how adopting solar power can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also reshape our economic landscape, making energy more affordable and accessible for everyone. Through Dr. Borenstein’s expertise, we will unveil how these changes affect our wallets, our environment, and our future.

 

Prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the energy that powers your home and life. We’ll be talking climage change again soon with Meryl Davids Landau, as part of our Prevention Magazine Interview Series, so stay tuned. But today’s episode promises to be not only an enlightening conversation but a call to action for us all to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

 

My thanks to Dr. Severin Borenstein for joining us today.  My thanks to our sponsors  Seed and Qualia Senolytic.  Additional thanks to AAAS and SciLine for their help in arranging details of this episode.  My thanks always to Executive Producer Sam Heninger for all his work on the show and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next week.