Colin Johnson
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Since the introduction and implementation of The Recovery Act in February of 2009, renewable energy industries have relied heavily on government funding and tax incentives for survival. Although the assistance provided through government programs has brought much needed positive attention and increased afford-ability to industries like solar and wind energy, we cannot expect this massive financial crutch to hold renewable energy companies upright forever. What steps or strategies must be adopted in order to ensure that renewable energy initiatives do not die by the wayside as funding and tax programs disappear?
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Colin Johnson
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This article I found on the New York Times website discusses the inconsistent distribution of local tax incentive programs and the lack of a statewide program for solar energy in Texas. It is situations like these that will hopefully help industry professionals create affordable, efficient solution.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/us/03ttsolar.html?scp=2&sq=solar&st=cse
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Andrew Hicks
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The green revolution and incentives are great not only for homeowners but investors as well. Every appliance I buy for projects I try to get government refunds because of their energy savings. Having said that, even if government funding weren’t available the marketability of green products is a huge advantage when a homeowner goes to sell. In these tight times all buyers want utility costs and it is a major factor!
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Colin Johnson
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I had a conversation with John Farrell, a Research Associate at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and an avid renewable energy blogger, about the future and here is what he had to say:
“It’s fair to say that they’d [renewable energy industries] face a significant uphill battle against conventional generation (especially natural gas) on a cost basis in the short run, but there are three things in favor of renewables:
1) Fixed cost (no fuel cost)
2) State mandates require the purchase of renewables
3) Rapidly falling costs (solar).”
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Todd Ufferman
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Example of recent State government initiatives in the solar industry – Senators Boozman and Sanders of the Senate Green Jobs and New Economy Subcommittee have have introduced the 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011. The act aims to make solar more affordable for homes and businesses to install solar.
I also think this act will offer grants and rewards to communities investing in solar energy.
http://www.solarindustrymag.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.8049
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