Solar Seniors Stepping It Up — Steering Away from the Herd

July 9th, 2012 by Zachary Shahan

Here’s some uplifting news: seniors are going solar as if it’s the right thing to do… oh yeah, it is the right thing to do.

100-year-old with new solar system.

One of the benefits of going solar that we focus on a lot is that it can save you a good chunk of cash. Of course, that’s a nice benefit, and for most people who go solar, that’s probably the #1 reason why they’ve made the clean energy switch.

However, the fact of the matter is: human society is about ready to walk itself right off a cliff. While most of us seem to have now realized this, our obsession with individual benefit over community or societal benefit threatens to lead the herd into the depths of the canyons below.

Unfortunately, most of us think that we shouldn’t have to do the right thing until everyone else is doing it. We point to the emissions from China, from our neighbor, from those who “don’t get it” as an excuse for not taking action ourselves. “It doesn’t matter what I do, I’m just one person.” That thought echoed through a society equals monumental inaction and societal masochism.

Wise men and women have told us, probably from the beginning of human existence, that we’d all be better off if we looked to improve ourselves rather than looked to point the finger at others’ faults… in order to shrug off our own duties. One of the most famous quotes along these lines is probably this one from the Book of Matthew in the Bible: “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (Or, in more modern English: “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”)

But, for the most part, we just don’t absorb the essence of that. On a societal scale, it seems to be catching up with us.

However, shifting gears here, let’s direct our attention to a few wise humans who are turning away from the cliff just in front of us, trying to do their small part to turn the herd around. Senior citizens going solar.

These folks are quite likely not going solar for the long-term financial savings. These folks are going solar because it’s the right thing to do!

Someone recently dropped me a note to let me know that “58% of those aged 55-69 are interested in going solar, and another solar industry report from Pike Research indicated that 64% of seniors aged 65+ have a favorable impression of solar energy.”

And, of course, some of them are actually going solar. For example, 100-year-old Ida Perracci of Alum Rock (pictured above). “Perracci signed on to install a Gen110 power plant on her home on the day of her centennial birthday party, locking into predictable energy rates starting now,” Gen110 writes. (OK, in his case, she’s actually getting fixed energy rates that may still save her money.)

“You’re never too old to go solar,” said Perracci. “I’ve lived in Alum Rock for decades, and for the first time my electricity bill will stop going up. And while the price is right today, solar will continue to benefit my family for years to come.”

Doing the right thing — for her family and for the future of human civilization. What’s not to love?

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Tags: 100 year old solar woman, gen110, Ida Perracci, solar seniors

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

rkt9

This story is a great example of what news should be!
- http://cleantechnica.com/ Zachary Shahan
  
  Thanks.. will keep that in mind
  
  You mean the story and/or how it was presented? I spend a lot more time delving into the human side of things than normal in this specific article.
  - rkt9
    
    Hi Zach, I like this story because it is a positive news story. People create what they think about. I like this story because it has a good message, the message is that older people can install solar regardless of whether or not they expect to live long enough to reap the pay back. Also, I like it because we learn by example. This story gives a great example!
    Cleantechina is one of my favorite sites, and one of the first I look at when I log in to the www. For the most part your stories are positive and upbeat. They leave me feeling good about the world, and better educated. You are doing a GREAT job and I do appreciate all the hard work and long hours you put in to bring people these great stories.
    
    Keep up the good work, I think you are on to something here, I hope you continue to attract critical thinkers, and people who believe we can make the world a better place for all of us!
    
    Warm regards,
    
    Dick
    - http://cleantechnica.com/ Zachary Shahan
      
      Thanks a lot, Dick!
      
      That’s exactly what we aim for, glad to see that’s what you (and presumably others) are getting out of it!
      
      And this was one of my favorite stories in a long time.
      
      I put more of the doom and gloom over on Planetsave, but actually focus less on that over there. I think that is important too, but I think you need a lot more focus on the positive solutions we have available to us, the great examples of people making a change, and the fun stories showing what amazing things we can create.
      
      Anyway,… thanks again! Made my day, seriously.
Ronald Brak

Here in Australia the majority of retired people currently receive a government pension and so it can make a lot of financial sense for them to install solar as it’s an investment that saves money without without causing a reduction in pension payments as a financial investment can. As a solar system can pay for itself in under seven years few retirees will kick the bucket before they see a return and even if they do most are interested in leaving behind something for the next generation, so they are not losing anything by dropping dead early. Except, you know, their lives.