Solar-btm, or solar "behind-the-meter," represents an innovative approach to harnessing solar power directly at the point of consumption, typically at residential or commercial locations. Unlike large-scale solar farms, solar-btm systems are installed on-site, allowing property owners to generate their own electricity. This decentralization offers a way to reduce dependency on centralized power plants, contributing to the democratization of energy production. The energy generated is primarily used on-site, which can help reduce electricity bills by offsetting the need to purchase power from the grid.

The process of generating electricity through solar-btm systems involves photovoltaic (PV) solar panels capturing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is then transformed into alternating current (AC) electricity through an inverter, making it compatible with the electrical equipment typically used in homes and businesses. When excess energy is generated, it can often be stored in batteries for later use or sent back to the grid in regions with net metering policies, further enhancing the financial benefits for users.

One of the notable advantages of solar-btm as a low-carbon energy source is its minimal carbon intensity, with emissions averaging around 45 gCO2eq/kWh. When viewed alongside other low-carbon power sources like wind (11 gCO2eq/kWh) and nuclear (12 gCO2eq/kWh), it's clear that these clean energy options offer a remarkable reduction in carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels such as coal (820 gCO2eq/kWh) and natural gas (490 gCO2eq/kWh). Transitioning from high-carbon to low-carbon energy sources is crucial in the battle against climate change and can significantly reduce air pollution.

Globally, solar-btm currently accounts for close to none of the world's total electricity generation. However, its impact is more evident in certain regions, exemplifying the potential for growth. For instance, in Hawaii, solar-btm contributes approximately 14% of the state's electricity, showcasing its viability and benefits in areas with high solar irradiance. Similarly, in California, solar-btm accounts for around 11% of electricity generation. Maine, Nevada, and Arizona also witness significant contributions from solar-btm, with 8%, 5%, and 5% of their electricity, respectively, derived from this source. This regional data underlines the potential scalability of solar-btm systems to contribute significantly to meeting local electricity needs with sustainable solutions.

The combined efforts to increase solar-btm installations, alongside other low-carbon sources like wind and nuclear, represent a substantial move towards a cleaner, more sustainable power grid. The successes in states like Hawaii, California, and Maine illustrate the tangible benefits and the evolving landscape of electricity generation. As we move strategically towards an electrified future driven by the growth of sectors such as artificial intelligence and transportation electrification, embracing and expanding solar-btm can contribute to more robust, resilient, and environmentally friendly electricity systems. Moreover, pursuing solar-btm along with nuclear energy significantly supports our journey towards reducing the detrimental impacts of fossil fuels and paves the way for a more sustainable and clean-energy-centric world.