Solar Energy Mentioned Often in State of the Union

President Barack Obama delivered his second state of the union speech yesterday.  Much to the delight of solar energy companies, PV manufacturers, and clean energy advocates, the President gave some strong support to clean technology and specifically solar power — he mentioned energy (renewable or clean) about 8 times and solar 3 times in the speech.

Some highlights from yesterday’s speech:

1. “China became home to the world’s largest private solar research facility…”

The president mentions China’s growth in solar energy research to signal to the American community that we need to make more investments in renewable energy innovation and education.

2. “We’ll invest in biomedical research, information technology, and especially clean energy technology — (applause) — an investment that will strengthen our security, protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people.”

Well said.  We’re heard that clean energy will protect our planet and create new jobs, but I don’t think we can forget that it will strengthen our country.  We have an addiction to oil that threatens our national and economic security. As a nation, we let more than $1 billion go to foreign countries to finance our oil needs.  This is money that sometimes goes to enemies who pose a threat to our country.

3. “Robert and Gary Allen are brothers who run a small Michigan roofing company… with the help of a government loan, that empty (vacant factory) space is being used to manufacture solar shingles that are being sold across the country.”

Obama talks about how existing companies can “reinvent” themselves for the clean energy industry and how renewable energy is creating new jobs.  I’m not sure about employment opportunities in other states, but Massachusetts has reported that solar jobs related to manufacturing, installation and services have tripled since 2007.

4.  “We need to get behind  innovation. And to help pay for it, I’m asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies. I don’t know if — I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but they’re doing just fine on their own. So instead of subsidizing yesterday’s energy, let’s invest in tomorrow’s.”

In 2008, Bloomberg identified that fossil fuels received $557 billion in subsidies worldwide compared to between $43 and $46 billion for renewables. It’s pretty disturbing, right?  There are many people out there who think that solar incentives are careless, unethical, and just plain foolish.  In their opinion, why should we prop up an industry that has to rely on subsidies to compete when we have affordable fuel sources like oil, gas, and coal?  Maybe their opinions may change when they find out that these “affordable fuel sources” require 12 times the subsidies to get to that price.  I think the world would be a much different place, both politically and socially, if all the incentives from fossil fuels were shifted to renewable forms of energy, like wind and solar power.

5.  “Now, clean energy breakthroughs will only translate into clean energy jobs if businesses know there will be a market for what they’re selling. So tonight, I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources.”

The president reinforces our commitment to a clean energy economy by introducing an ambitious goal for electricity generation.  This is not the solar power industry of the 70’s that came and went; clean energy is here to stay.

6.  “Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal and natural gas. To meet this goal, we will need them all — and I urge Democrats and Republicans to work together to make it happen.”

Obama will consider all clean energy options to get to the ambitious goal mentioned above.  I do like how wind and solar were mentioned first, though!

Brightstar Solar is a licensed solar contractor that offers free evaluations in Massachusetts and Connecticut to find out if solar electricity is right for your home or business.  Be part of the solution, and request your evaluation.  We would be happy to navigate you through the incentives available and show you how solar power can save you money.