Los Angeles, California is proposing to install a battery to back up a solar farm that could potentially power 7 percent of the city’s electricity for under two cents per kilowatt. To quantify this amount, such a battery would be cheaper than any fossil-fuel generated power. As fossil-fuel dependent companies such as coal companies go bankrupt, this paves the way for new renewable farms to take over. Already, 54 countries and 8 states have switched to renewable energy, making it a requirement in homes, factories, etc. Currently the cost to decarbonize the entire United States Grid would be around 4.5 trillion dollars. However, as switching to renewable energy becomes more popular as awareness is spread throughout the globe, prices may drop significantly with increased interest.  

Because cost is such a major concern stopping companies and families from switching to solar energy, it is important to spread awareness of the benefits of renewable resources altogether. By elaborating on the Los Angeles installation, this article alerts other states and cities within the United States to do their part as well. Taking big steps towards renewable energy is required to encourage the world to do the same, and eventually lower prices enough to where solar energy appears to be the only valid option. Stopping carbon emissions from large factories won’t happen without civic engagement, as customers refusing to support coal companies will cause more to go out of business, providing more opportunities for solar farms. Thus, this article relates to environmental science, as awareness of the benefits of renewable energy must be spread to encourage any change whatsoever.