LIGHT UP SOLAR, LIGHT UP THE NATION

Why skies aren't too dim for solar
January 4, 2009 (Rocky Mountain News)

"The solar industry is probably better positioned to ride out the economic storm than many other beleaguered industries. That's because it is a darling of government, which funnels large subsidies its way. This favored position is likely to continue for a long time, too…Given the economic uncertainty, consumers are reluctant to commit large amounts of money…

"Eventually, of course, consumer confidence will return - and with it, sales of residential solar energy systems. After all, interest in clean energy and concern over greenhouse gases are not about to wane…Technological advances that make solar more competitive will continue - if anything, they may accelerate. Perhaps most crucially, government subsidies are not going away…

"Yes, some small solar companies probably won't make it through the current downturn. That's truly sad for the individuals involved, but their circumstances mirror those of many people in other occupations who have also found themselves out of work…The trick is to adopt policies that lift all industry boats - because for solar to thrive, the rest of the economy has to be running on all cylinders, too."