The concept of electrification is nothing new. The movement has grown from its humble beginnings in 1752 with a kite and key, through the monumental Rural Electrification Act in 1936 to what we now know in modern times. But as the electric grid has evolved, so have the thoughts of industry leaders on its environmental impact.

Beneficial electrification refers to replacing systems that still use gas and oil with carbon-free alternatives. This includes replacing traditional HVAC systems with heat pumps, using solar + storage solutions to power your home and opting to drive an electric vehicle. While these green technologies are equipped to sustain a cleaner electric grid, there’s still plenty of work to do when it comes to their adoption. To truly make an impact on the fight against climate change, consumer adoption is key and electrification is the clear path forward.

Solar energy is an incredibly important part of the sustainable electrification movement and yet less than 3% of households use it. Luckily, it has also become increasingly affordable. A recent report from EnergySage states that costs are down 6.3% since July of 2020. The downward trend of solar system prices has encouraged many homeowners to make the switch. Incentives like the extension of the ITC are also helping drive consumer demand.