this post was submitted on 07 Jun 2026
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This is a false framing of the actual dynamic at play. The problem is not the unmonetizability of it. This IS an issue to certain capitalist forces but the much more serious problem in the eyes of the capitalist state is that solar is decentralized. Centralized power production relies on infrastucture controlled by the capitalist. Even a personal home generator needs fuel to function. Which must be bought from those who control oil supplies. Solar once bought is entirely decoupled from their control. You can have solar panels and they cannot cut you power off anymore. It is an issue of power. Not the electric kind but the political kind. Controlling energy gives a person significant power of a society. Part of this is the ability to monetize that control but it is also simply a mechanism for control. The proletariet is seen as a threat by the capitalist and so any technology or policy that would remove direct control over the lives of proles is a threat. If they cannot cut off our power it removes a way for them to stop us from rebelling against them. Food and water supplies are also centrally controlled for this region. In many regions it would be cheaper and make more sense to grow much of our own food locally and have small well or rain catchment water systems. These are not used as they would destroy central control over the proles means to live. Making the prole a threat that cannot easily be neutralized. "Off-grid" living will always be something they attempt to discourage and make possible only for the wealthy. As to live truly off grid would mean to break free from the majority of the control mechanisms that are used to keep you subservient.
Having solar panels does not mean “they” can’t cut your power off and ruin your life.
The sun doesn’t shine 24/7, and the amount of batteries you’d need to be able to be completely off grid is prohibitively expensive.
“They” still have you bye the balls.
I grew up on solar, my parents house has been solar only for 35 years now. It depends on where you live and your energy usage. If you want to heat your home in Alaska during the winter with electric heat from batteries, you are in for a bad time. Same with trying to cool a poorly insulated house in Arizona.
Solar equipment was much more expensive at the time my parents switched to it than today, but they still came out way ahead. Still have the original panels up, I forgot what % less they are producing now but they are still kicking. Added a few more over the years, which really helps in the winter. Right now with utility rates skyrocketing they are especially happy not to be caught up in it. Battery replacement factored in of course.
I'm not saying solar only is for everyone, but it has been great for us. Takes awareness of your battery level, the weather, more money upfront, and a decent location.