Smells Like Teen Spirit?

The unique relationship between solar and decentralized finance, and how it can impact society for the better.

Life itself is one long journey filled with growth and self-discovery. As far as my humble, twenty-something year-young outlook reflects; being a teenager was a time of trial and triumph, adolescent war and peace (shoutout my man Leo). Many of us laugh or cringe at photos and memories of high school years, but unanimously we can all agree that these years shaped us into who we are as individuals today.

In a world of tremendous change itself, two industries stand out worse than a pubescent acne breakout: the solar energy sector and decentralized finance. At first glance, they might seem worlds apart—one focusing on sustainable energy production and the other oft-simplified as "cryptocurrency". However, a deeper look reveals striking similarities in their quests to revolutionize how we harness power and preserve wealth. Both are entangled in a battle of ideals, characterized by a fervent struggle between pioneering evangelists and opportunistic detractors. Straddling both sectors for nearly half a decade, I have witnessed firsthand the skepticism and intrigue they generate. Let's explore why accepting their nuance is crucial for our future, particularly as we brace for the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

Both industries are experiencing internal conflicts that rival the T-Birds and Scorpions of Grease (1978). Early adopters and evangelists in both fields are often at odds with opportunists seeking quick profits. In the solar sector, genuine advocates for renewable energy face challenges from companies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Similarly, the crypto world is rife with celebrity meme-coin episodes and pump and dump schemes that threaten the credibility of legitimate projects (enter stage left, FTX and Bitconnect).

This internal strife creates an amusing yet bewildering spectacle for the general public. Observers often struggle to discern the true innovators from the profiteers, leading to a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Despite this, the passionate, cultish communities within both industries continue to push forward, united by a vision of a better, more decentralized future.

Solar energy represents the pinnacle of point source energy—a decentralized, renewable resource that can be harnessed directly from the sun. This technology affords individuals and communities to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on centralized power grids and fossil fuels. The rise of solar energy epitomizes the democratization of power, offering a sustainable solution to the growing global energy demands. Similarly, cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin, embody the quest for financial autonomy through deflationary instruments. Unlike traditional fiat currency, that is doomed to inflation and government manipulation, some digital currencies offer a finite supply and decentralized control. This positions them as a decentralized store of value, immune to the whims of central banks and political instability. Adopters champion this as a means to preserve and grow wealth independently of traditional financial systems.

Policy-wise, both industries are also in their adolescence. The rapid growth of solar and crypto has outpaced regulatory frameworks, leading to a landscape of uncertainty and volatility. Governments and financial institutions are only beginning to catch up, with varying degrees of support and restriction. Domestically, federal incentives like the 2022 Inflation- Reduction Act have been crucial in driving residential solar energy adoption. Likewise, cryptocurrencies face a patchwork of regulations that can either foster innovation or stifle progress. Despite stretchmarks and messy rooms, both industries will handily democratize power and monetary ownership over the next twenty years. Solar energy offers a path to energy independence, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fluctuating utility prices. Crypto provides an alternative financial system, one that is resilient against inflation and geopolitical upheaval.

As the automation and globalization of work develops, the importance of energy independence and financial resilience cannot be overstated. Those who embrace solar energy and decentralized finance today will enjoy true wealth: Independence. Energy independence will shield individuals from the vulnerabilities of privatized electrical grids, while cryptocurrencies will offer a safeguard against the uncertainties of fractional reserve banking.

The maturation of the solar and crypto industries represents a pivotal moment in our history. By harnessing the power of the sun and embracing decentralized financial instruments, we are taking quantum leaps towards being a more resilient civilization. Today, both industries are fraught with pimples within policies, mood-swings in market-caps, and ambivalent adoption. Nonetheless, there will be a time when this era will graduate into a world of accessible power and finance that can offer affordances and freedoms of self-sufficiency across borders.