Solar Energy Now

As someone who lives in a conservation community dedicated to preserving the land and environment, I would love to see solar panels on every home and building.

Unfortunately, the economics of solar are not there yet. They still cost too much because they are not mass produced in the quantities of say, big-screen TVs. Silicon has become expensive and our government doesn't support solar energy the way Japan and Germany do.

Should there be subsidies for solar? You bet. We subsidize homeownership, college educations, drilling for oil and Native American fishermen in Alaska. We need to do much more to support solar and all forms of clean energy because we will not become energy independent until we do. If you've been reading this blog, you might note that I think oil will hit $100 a barrel. It's already passed $86 and any conflict or supply disruption will propel it further.

We could have had widespread solar energy in the 1980s, but that symbolically -- and politically -- was snuffed when Ronald Reagan yanked Jimmy Carter's solar panels from the White House.

Congress is currently considering a raft of new energy legislation. You need to write them to ensure that they extend tax credits for solar appliances. If they don't renew these rather meager tax breaks, then alternative energy will be set back for years in the U.S. Here's what you need to do:


Take Action to Protect Solar - 4 Easy Steps:


Call the local offices of your U.S. Senators and Representative today. You can find their phone numbers at the Project Vote Smart website.

Key messages:
* Urge them to support the solar energy tax credit extension
* This will help strengthen the economy, generate jobs, and reduce energy costs
* Email your members of Congress.
* Tell your friends and colleagues about this important opportunity to support solar and encourage them to contact their members of Congress as well.

More information is available at www.ases.org.