Solar Energy; Current Solution or Work in Progress?

When thinking about solar energy, most envision the renewable resource of the future. However, according to Julie Blunden, vice president of public policy and corporate communications of SunPower (a Silicon Valley-based solar equipment manufacturer), this is simply not true.

"Globally, by the end of 2008, we will have installed 10 gigawatts of photovoltaic power. That's the equivalent of about 20 coal plants. About a quarter of that was installed in the last year. So solar is shifting from being on the brink of commercialization. It's no longer in the future. It's current."

Solar panels can already be seen on the rooftops of tens of thousands American homes. Blunden expects this number to continue to increase as efforts are made to pass legislation which would award solar tax credits above the current $2,000 cap to residential solar energy consumers. Although both Congressional parties are motivated to make progress on solar energy incentives, these positive changes have been bogged down by ties to Democratic plans to cut benefits for the oil industry.

As a result, this seemingly bipartisan concern has become a polarizing political issue. The Bush administration along with the Republican leadership in Congress has consistently voted down the new energy package which would aid in increasing the use of solar energy.

Despite their frustrations with Washington, Blunden and other renewable-energy industry officials are hopeful. They are currently lobbying for "stand alone" legislation that will extend tax credits to American solar energy consumers.

Source:

Title:

Bright Days for Solar. By: Kriz, Margaret, National Journal, 03604217, 3/15/2008, Vol. 40, Issue 11

Database:

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