Solar energy is central to U.S. energy independence:
- Reduces fossil fuel demand and stabilizes energy costs.
- Distributed solar systems (rooftops, microgrids) increase resilience.
- Pairing solar with storage provides reliable 24/7 power.
- Projects like Mammoth Solar (IN) and Moapa (NV) demonstrate utility-scale and community solutions.
- Challenges include intermittency, infrastructure, equitable access, and policy support.
Solar adoption strengthens grid security, reduces imports, and supports sustainable growth.