GOP Congressional members are trying to paint the Solar industry in a bad light because of one company declaring bankruptcy after accepting Federal incentives. You would think the oil, gas and coal industries are egging them on. At least when when a solar panel breaks it doesn't pollute thousands of square miles of ocean bottom.
Here are some facts;
- The solar industry employs more than 100,000 Americans, more than twice as many as in 2009. They work at more than 5,000 companies, the vast majority being small businesses, in all 50 states.
- The U.S. solar industry grew by 69% in the past year, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. economy.
- Since the beginning of 2010, the price of solar panels has dropped by 30%, and costs continue to fall making solar an even more viable choice for residential and business customers.
- The U.S. was a net exporter of solar products in 2010 by $2 billion. We were even a net exporter to China.
- Solar power in the U.S. now exceeds 3,100 megawatts (MW), enough to power more than 630,000 homes.
- Continued industry growth enhances our energy security and diversifies our domestic energy portfolio.
2 comments:
Good post. Oil and gas industries receive tax incentives to develop energy. Of course, that is exactly what the Republicans are trying to protect now under the mantra of no increase to taxes. Anyone who has studied economics knows that Opportunity Costs sometimes require public policy support to encourage development of certain industries. Because the cost to individual consumers of solar power installations is quite high comapared to conventional power sources that already have infrastructure and well-established production facilities, solar companies need public policy and support to compete - just what the oil and gas companies do not want (although many have R&D departments developing alternative sources of energy when the opportunity costs are more attractive (like when the cost of oil spikes or sufficient oil is unavailble due to war, etc.). Now, if we want to continue to make progress in alternative energy, we absolutely need a Democratic Congress and a fillibuster-proof Senate. We also need to re-elect President Obama. Only the Left will be to blame if they don't work to make this happen. The opposition is vicious and wealthy and will stop at nothing to regain total power in Washington. What is gained by supporting solar energy but not supporting the political apparatus to implement it?
Typical Liberal squawking about fairness as fully 47% of all federal income tax filers pay Zero federal income tax.
I do not know of A SINGLE SOUL who believes they don't pay enough Federal Income Tax. If they truly did, they could simply write a check to the IRS, of up to say up to 100% of their own income, the IRS would gladly take it. I also do NOT know a single soul who does that. Oh that's it they don't actually want to pay more of their own money... Just as disingenuous as the anti-abortion fanatics who don't actually want to adopt and raise their own crack baby...
Most people targeted as "the evil rich" who earn the "threshold" 200,000 a year income are lucky to own one house, let alone five homes and several jets...
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