The Future in Solar Power

It’s easy to be pessimistic about the economy these days, but one area that is growing is solar power. Thanks to generous state and power company incentives and rebates, as well as tax credits that make solar systems more widely affordable, the surge in demand for solar power has created thousands of small businesses and new jobs.

The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that there are approximately 3,400 companies and 30,000 to 40,000 jobs directly related to solar energy within the United States. This is a promising statistic, considering that the recent Wall Street failures may point to greater unemployment.

These jobs could not exist without government subsidies. The Solar Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina maintains a database that shows more than half the states as having rebate or incentive programs for solar power. Overwhelmingly, 98 percent of all solar installations in the country are in those states.

One such state is Oregon, where the number of solar panel installers has skyrocketed to 90 from 12 in only five years. Now, in an attempt to lure small manufacturers, the Oregon Department of Economic and Community Development is offering incentives to businesses that make products relating to solar power generation.

Not only does the government offer incentives to businesses, but federal tax credits play a huge role in creating demand for solar power. However, Congress has not promised to extend these tax credits past their December 31, 2019 expiration date, leaving the industry hanging in terms of its future.

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In order for solar power businesses to grow and create new jobs, they must receive continued support from Congress. In the wake of the Wall Street crisis, what America needs is to invest in areas that have a future, as green technologies like solar power certainly do. If you’re concerned about our economy and our environment, consider writing to senators , or your local Congressperson, and urge them to renew these tax credits and promote alternative energy policies.