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Solar Dividends: How Solar Energy Can Generate a Basic Income For Everyone on Earth
Imagine a world where poverty has been eliminated and global warming has been brought under control.
Imagine this can be done via a single program. Imagine that we can start on this today.
That’s the world envisioned by Solar Dividends, which puts forth a bold new plan—use solar energy to pay for unconditional basic incomes for everyone on the planet. The idea is simple: we set up solar panels for each person, sell the electricity the panels generate, and deliver the money as solar dividends to the person as their basic income, for the rest of their life.
This program won’t require tax money because the solar panels pay for themselves through the money they earn by generating electricity. The money won’t run out because the panels are maintained and replaced as needed. And we don’t have to wait for an international treaty because every country receives enough raw solar energy to set up their own program.
Solar energy gives us a new way to pay for basic incomes, and basic incomes give us a new reason to build solar energy. Combining these two big ideas will lift everyone out of economic insecurity, reduce the carbon emissions that drive climate change, and assemble a clean energy system that can sustain us indefinitely into the future—all with one program. Solar Dividends makes clear the practical steps to bring about this positive future.
Imagine this can be done via a single program. Imagine that we can start on this today.
That’s the world envisioned by Solar Dividends, which puts forth a bold new plan—use solar energy to pay for unconditional basic incomes for everyone on the planet. The idea is simple: we set up solar panels for each person, sell the electricity the panels generate, and deliver the money as solar dividends to the person as their basic income, for the rest of their life.
This program won’t require tax money because the solar panels pay for themselves through the money they earn by generating electricity. The money won’t run out because the panels are maintained and replaced as needed. And we don’t have to wait for an international treaty because every country receives enough raw solar energy to set up their own program.
Solar energy gives us a new way to pay for basic incomes, and basic incomes give us a new reason to build solar energy. Combining these two big ideas will lift everyone out of economic insecurity, reduce the carbon emissions that drive climate change, and assemble a clean energy system that can sustain us indefinitely into the future—all with one program. Solar Dividends makes clear the practical steps to bring about this positive future.
124 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 15, 2019
Finally: Not Just Why We Need to Combat Climate Change, Also HOW. We hear so much about the need for finding practical solutions to destroying our home, it's great to see someone take the initiative to present a plan for how to do that, and not only does he lay a remarkably accessible plan, Stayton does so in layman's terms so the people who actually need to take charge can understand what needs to happen (goes without saying the government isn't helping).
Even folks who agree with the politics (and to be clear there's no question posed as to whether we should "agree" with the science; science = facts) may hesitate to actually pick up a book thinking it will sail over their heads, and that's the real beauty of Solar Dividends and Stayton's prior book Power Shift: us laymen, non-science types are his target demographic, and he brilliantly presents what would be difficult to understand in lesser hands into an easy, breezy and inspirational read. You'll fly right through these books, which is all the more important because then you'll be moved to action and will be well-equipped to act ;)
What better time than now? What better place than here?
Even folks who agree with the politics (and to be clear there's no question posed as to whether we should "agree" with the science; science = facts) may hesitate to actually pick up a book thinking it will sail over their heads, and that's the real beauty of Solar Dividends and Stayton's prior book Power Shift: us laymen, non-science types are his target demographic, and he brilliantly presents what would be difficult to understand in lesser hands into an easy, breezy and inspirational read. You'll fly right through these books, which is all the more important because then you'll be moved to action and will be well-equipped to act ;)
What better time than now? What better place than here?
October 1, 2019
This is a ideological treatise of how to remedy the current crises by using solar power to generate cash flow for universal basic income for all citizens.
March 8, 2020
Want to change the world? READ THIS BOOK! The first reason this book is so great is because it flips the switch on the traditional argument for mvoing from fossil fuels to renewable energy and clearly explains how the solar dividend program will solve global issues in logical and easy to understand language. The author acknowledges the many reasons why using global warming as a motivator to make big changes is no longer a good approach. Instead, he suggests using the non-polarizing argument of economic security as the primary argument to make the switch to solar power, with reducing carbon emissions as "an automatic side effect of addressing climate change". Solar dividends is a novel idea to address both world wide poverty and climate change, and Stayton does an exceptional job explaining not only why it will work, but also ideas on how to implement the program. This leads to the second reason why this book is great: he structures the book being mindful of people's different interest levels and learning styles! The first part tells the story of solar dividends from someone living in the future, the seconds part gets into all the details of the program, from idea, through pilot projects and global roll out. The final section crunches the numbers for those who like to have data for backup. While you do not need to read Stayton's first book, Power Shift: From Fossil Energy to Dynamic Solar Power, it provides information about solar power for those new to the topic, or for those wanting to learn more. I truly believe both of these books should be included in school studies around the world. And the great thing is that it would be relevant in so many different study areas, from the obvious science courses to public health to economics. So, after you read this book, tell everyone you know and pass it along to keep the conversation going! And most importantly, share the information with the change makers in your community, and if you're the change maker, use the leverage you already have! "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete".
January 2, 2020
The Review
As we head into the new year and the question of climate change and energy as a whole is still a contentious topic, author Robert Stayton’s book is a refreshing, straightforward and unique read that brings a fresh and honest view on the subject. Readers will find a bold, easy to follow yet difficult to implement plan that would bolster the economy and energy fields without the negative impact on the environment as a whole.
One thing the author clearly defines is that while the plan he lays out is clear cut and showcases a straightforward path to solar energy and a boom to the economy as a whole, the difficulty of the plan running up against political pressure and the laws as they exist now not only in the United States but around the world is something that makes this plan the most difficult to implement. Yet the author lays out the benefits and the real detailed plans to bring the idea of solar energy and dividends to life in crystal clarity that gives readers a lot to think about and consider as we as a society moves forward in life.
The Verdict
A brilliant book that not only has a detailed plan and path towards solar energy and solar dividends while also implementing a unique narrative of the future that outlines how this plan would look to the average consumer. It’s a fast paced, easy read that puts a complex yet feasible plan forward and challenges the reader and those in power to consider these options as a viable energy solution. If you haven’t yet, grab your copies of Solar Dividends by Robert Stayton today!
As we head into the new year and the question of climate change and energy as a whole is still a contentious topic, author Robert Stayton’s book is a refreshing, straightforward and unique read that brings a fresh and honest view on the subject. Readers will find a bold, easy to follow yet difficult to implement plan that would bolster the economy and energy fields without the negative impact on the environment as a whole.
One thing the author clearly defines is that while the plan he lays out is clear cut and showcases a straightforward path to solar energy and a boom to the economy as a whole, the difficulty of the plan running up against political pressure and the laws as they exist now not only in the United States but around the world is something that makes this plan the most difficult to implement. Yet the author lays out the benefits and the real detailed plans to bring the idea of solar energy and dividends to life in crystal clarity that gives readers a lot to think about and consider as we as a society moves forward in life.
The Verdict
A brilliant book that not only has a detailed plan and path towards solar energy and solar dividends while also implementing a unique narrative of the future that outlines how this plan would look to the average consumer. It’s a fast paced, easy read that puts a complex yet feasible plan forward and challenges the reader and those in power to consider these options as a viable energy solution. If you haven’t yet, grab your copies of Solar Dividends by Robert Stayton today!
August 16, 2019
I found the idea of Solar Dividends very interesting. More research needs to be put towards it to see if it is a viable option but it sounds good.
The book doesn't just paint a picture of what life would be like in the future when this program is in place (Part 1). It also goes through each part, explaining how it would work and what the negative aspects might be. Part 2 has separate chapters that go through each part of it, answering your questions and even ones you might not have thought of. The final chapter goes over the math of the program for those who won't accept that it might be a viable option without first seeing the math worked out.
I hope the author does well with this book and perhaps goes on TV shows to describe his idea as well because I think we need to seriously consider it. The idea is really well thought out, you can tell that this wasn't just an idea that popped in the author 's head and he quickly wrote it down. He's done his research and it's properly referenced in notes if you want to look it up yourself.
I hope this becomes my kid's futures.
The book doesn't just paint a picture of what life would be like in the future when this program is in place (Part 1). It also goes through each part, explaining how it would work and what the negative aspects might be. Part 2 has separate chapters that go through each part of it, answering your questions and even ones you might not have thought of. The final chapter goes over the math of the program for those who won't accept that it might be a viable option without first seeing the math worked out.
I hope the author does well with this book and perhaps goes on TV shows to describe his idea as well because I think we need to seriously consider it. The idea is really well thought out, you can tell that this wasn't just an idea that popped in the author 's head and he quickly wrote it down. He's done his research and it's properly referenced in notes if you want to look it up yourself.
I hope this becomes my kid's futures.
December 13, 2019
Solar Dividends
How Solar Energy Can Generate a Basic Income For Everyone on Earth
By Robert Stayton
Like the efforts I'm making to gain control of climate control and I love the ideas about this endeavor.
Sounds like it'd work but I can see where some more rules would have to be put in place. Love getting the panels upon birth and letting them mature til you are an adult at 18.
Would love to see only certain options that you can use the money for because college isn't for everybody and even though 2 years is free for RI'ers and many other states we have a very high % of dropouts.
Some of the ideas are fresh and some have been around for centuries, it's just how they'd be implemented for the program to make it work sounds SO fascinating to me. Wish it was in put into effect today.
The whole idea would help poverty also and so much more. Love all the references in the back of the book, about the author and other readings on the subject.
Author has surely done his homework on this matter and then some.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
How Solar Energy Can Generate a Basic Income For Everyone on Earth
By Robert Stayton
Like the efforts I'm making to gain control of climate control and I love the ideas about this endeavor.
Sounds like it'd work but I can see where some more rules would have to be put in place. Love getting the panels upon birth and letting them mature til you are an adult at 18.
Would love to see only certain options that you can use the money for because college isn't for everybody and even though 2 years is free for RI'ers and many other states we have a very high % of dropouts.
Some of the ideas are fresh and some have been around for centuries, it's just how they'd be implemented for the program to make it work sounds SO fascinating to me. Wish it was in put into effect today.
The whole idea would help poverty also and so much more. Love all the references in the back of the book, about the author and other readings on the subject.
Author has surely done his homework on this matter and then some.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
October 2, 2019
Am interesting concept combined with a narrative approach makes for an interesting read. I will definitely be looking more into the idea of Solar Dividends as we continue towards the path of Universal Basic Income
September 18, 2019
The author's painstaking research and attention to detail is obvious in the writing of this book. The author laid out the information in a manner that allowed the reader to form their own opinion.
September 22, 2019
Some interesting ideas which would make a huge difference, but are unlikely to be backed in the current climate. An good read, i would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews