Why Tax breaks are needed

29 Apr 08 | Commentary

I have been watching the news about the House and the current bill to extend the tax breaks granted two years ago. It is a bit troubling to think that my business is in the hands of congress, but there it is.

When I read things like this:

Continued congressional delays over extending tax breaks to solar, wind and other renewable-energy companies could threaten the clean-technology industry’s growth and the jobs it creates.

I begin to wonder what is really going on. Are we just kidding ourselves in thinking that somehow we, the ordinary citizen, can affect change in America’s energy policy? A policy that has to date, been dictated by faceless mega corporations who can manage to turn the tables to their benefit regardless of what the majority of American’s want. I am beginning to wonder…

Since I deal almost exclusively in solar thermal, losing the federal tax subside would put a serious damper on my sales effort. In fact, I would say it would put me out of business.

That sucks.

It sucks because I believe in solar energy. Will it solve all of our energy problems? No. Can it make a significant dent (greater than 30-40%) contribution to our energy needs? Yes, with enough support, the combination of solar thermal and photovoltaics can generate a huge quantity of energy for our use.

The problem is we are going up against the powerful elite who run the current energy supply system like their own fiefdom. Guess who is playing the role of surf? Profits are to be guarded at all costs without regard to the future, the environment, or the greater good. They have mega cash and are willing to spend it on any effort that will maintain status quo. What we are trying to do is akin to attacking an aircraft carrier with a sling shot.

It sucks because when I see my own electric bill has been reduced by at least $60 per month by a solar domestic hot water system, I know this stuff works. It is proven technology that has been perfected by state of the art solar selective coatings and insulation.

It sucks because we are only asking for a level playing field. If this is a free market economy, and that is a big if, then let market forces decide what is better. The oil and coal industry receive huge subsides from the federal government, on top of the huge profits from the American people. Wouldn’t it be nice if we (the renewable energy sector) could compete economically with that?

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