How government influences the use of solar power
Government programs and policies have a significant impact on many areas of our lives. Taxes on “sins” such as alcohol, cigarettes and soda aim to curb our use. On the other hand, rebates and other incentive programs encourage people to invest in new technologies with the help of government funding.
Politics and solar power is a tenuous marriage. After the Solyndra loan debacle in 2011, many are wary of government-backed investment in allegedly “unproven” energy sources. Yet, there are many programs in the solar industry that are quietly celebrating success. And there is more on the horizon.
California’s Million Solar Roofs initiative has driven installations in the state to levels that would not have otherwise been achieved. Similarly, Colorado and New Jersey, are enjoying an upswing in solar power reliance, both at the local/distributed generation level, and via utility scale solar power plants. Perhaps most importantly, utilities and consumers are now working together via grid-connected smart metering and more.
Government is doing its part to encourage more solar power by requiring utilities to generate a percentage of their electricity with renewables (so called renewable portfolio standards). Green jobs programs also reward both employers and employees. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan programs allow consumers to install solar panels with no money down and then pay off the costs via incremental increases in local property taxes.
As fossil fuel prices rise and concerns of peak oil continue, we’ll see more governmental policies and other political influence with respect to solar power – via taxes, rebates, loans, and other political programs.
Do you think that politics and solar power should mix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tags: government solar programs, politics solar power, solar power policies, solar power policy, solar power politics
February 18th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Q: Do you think that politics and solar power should mix?
A: First off, I would like to say that if solar power and politics hadn’t mixed the industry would not be as successful as it is. I feel like its a good thing the two have mixed thus far. The technology has such potential to change our world that it shouldn’t be overlooked. If oil and coal power mix with government than why not solar and wind? Ideally none would mix with government and the people choose the responsible sources of electricity, but that isn’t the world we live in today. Be the change you wish to see in the world and it will be a better one.