Sun Is The Future
Sun is the Future is a left-of-center science and technology blog that promotes solar energy adoption and related environmental policies. The blog supports transition to weather-dependent energy sources, opposes conventional fuel subsidies, and supports measures such as feed-in tariffs. It aligns with broader left-of-center environmental causes, including calls for 100 percent renewable energy commitments and participation in climate justice initiatives. The blog has linked to campaigns by major environmentalist groups such as 350.org and the Natural Resources Defense Council. 1
Contents
The blog has opposed utility-backed policies perceived as hindering solar-energy expansion, including Florida’s 2016 Amendment 1 ballot measure, which critics argued would maintain barriers to third-party solar sales while appearing pro-solar. It has also promoted petitions for weather-dependent energy incentives in Florida. 2 3
Background
Sun is the Future was launched in 2011 as a platform for sharing information on solar energy developments and policy advocacy. It primarily reposts content from Windermere Sun, a related site focused on sustainable living and community issues. The blog includes articles on solar-technology advancements, such as perovskite solar cells and rooftop solar milestones in Australia, often embedding videos and calls to action for environmental policies. 4
Susan Sun Nunamaker operates Sun Is the Future and authors its content. Nunamaker has worked as a mathematics instructor at various Florida universities and advocates weather-dependent energy policies. She also publishes Windermere Sun, a related publication on environmentalism. 5
Advocacy
In its early years, the blog emphasized Florida-specific issues, arguing the state had potential for extensive solar-energy generation. It has expanded to cover global topics, including solar projects in Chernobyl, Ukraine and the impacts of global warming on Arctic permafrost. The site maintains a Kiva lending team dedicated to supporting solar-related microloans, with a focus on weather-dependent energy initiatives in developing regions. 1
Sun is the Future has advocated left-of-center energy policies, including opposing conventional fuel reliance and the promotion of weather-dependent transitions. It supported efforts to phase out fossil fuels and end subsidies, aligning with the Paris Agreement and calls for climate action summits. The blog has highlighted partnerships with environmental groups, such as promoting 350.org‘s rallies against new fossil fuel projects and the Natural Resources Defense Council‘s pushes for energy efficiency. 1
In Florida, the blog backed a petition hosted on MoveOn.org for implementing feed-in tariffs for renewables, aiming to leverage the state’s solar resources. It urged Florida legislators to adopt incentives for solar, wind, and other weather-dependent energy sources. The blog also opposed the 2016 Amendment 1 ballot measure, a failed constitutional amendment that would have added “a section in the state constitution giving residents of Florida the right to own or lease solar energy equipment for personal use while also enacting constitutional protection for any state or local law, ensuring that residents who do not produce solar energy can abstain from subsidizing its production.” 6 3