It started in my first real job at an environmental non-profit. I was asked to work on climate issues. At the time, I had little exposure or knowledge of the science and the solutions for climate change. After spending several months researching and working alongside our organization's scientists, I knew that our country needed renewable energy to reshape our grid. I wanted to be a part of it. At the time in lived in apartment and saw the first barrier. Without ownership I had little say the energy decisions impacting my living space. I told myself I'd go solar when I owned a home.

Nearly a decade later, I could finally afford a home. It had a beautiful newly replaced roof and nestled in a yard of gorgeous, old oak trees. I got quotes to go solar, but tree shading made it unworkable, and removing the trees cost more than I could afford. Solar was going to have to wait again.

Another decade past and I moved again. I'd done my homework this time. I spent hours on Google Earth checking roof orientations and shading. The home we fell in love with looked promising. Then the inspection revealed the roof needed significant work. The solar decision was pushed out yet again.

A few years went by and I thought I was finally ready. This time, however, the economy had changed and interest rates rose significantly. The economics shifted overnight, and costs were too high. The window I'd waited years to reach quietly closed.