One thing that keeps coming up in my mind when researching renewable content is the need for distributed energy generation. Just a little bit ago we read stories of large solar thermal plants out in the Mojave being blocked and people in an uproar over using public lands for energy generation. I agree that we need to conserve our land and that these plants can get very expensive, but in the meantime feel that we need to take a bigger look at our cities and towns already standing. The concept of decentralization is not new, and people write about it all the time. However, it is a topic that bears repeating.

I would love to see solar panels and small wind turbines on every building, bridge and structure in developed areas. Not in an overkill way, but enough to satisfy the energy demands of the areas around them. With decentralization comes less use of open space, more energy security, and the potential for a large amount of energy. I realize that some houses and buildings cannot accept solar panels or wind turbines and in some areas regulation and codes topple the thought of renewable generation. There needs to be a set of 'best practices' and a joint effort by local, state, and national powers to encourage this adoption. 

Large solar thermal plants and wind turbines will not be replaced, and we will definitely need them in combination with several other energy sources if we are to fully replace fossil fuels. However, by encouraging the use of small-scale renewables in existing buildings and new construction we can lessen the impact these larger plants will have on the dwindling natural environment.