June 2008

Interest is keen in the upcoming Solar Santa Monica event, Solar by the Numbers: 2008 Financing Options for Home Solar Systems, June 16. Consumers not only want to save money on their electricity bills but participate in the "green energy revolution" as well. The event picked up notice today by the Los Angeles Times' Emerald City blog, which posted, "Sunny money talk at solar power panel 6/16."

I spoke to solar power industry veteran, Mo Rousso, who will present on behalf of Helio Micro Utility, Inc. (Helio mU), the green power pioneer selling solar energy without the upfront cost of panels. I asked Mo what motivates him about the green energy industry.

From Mo Rousso:

“I did my first solar project in 1975 as an engineering undergrad and I saw how simple and powerful the technology was and how it had the potential to change people's lives. Ever since, I have been a proponent of renewable energy.

First and foremost, it enables freedom. People need to be educated to understand that they do have a choice from where they acquire their energy. Second, it helps their pocketbooks by allowing families to keep more of their hard earned income. Third, it helps the environment by offsetting greenhouse gases. When I first started in the energy business I was tasked with environmental monitoring at large scale power plants. It was amazing to see how much noxious gas and particulates were released into the air!

Finally, in today's competitive global economy, it creates domestic green collar jobs, both on the technical and the vocational sides — with the potential to accelerate the economy beyond what the computer revolution did in the 80's and 90's. Ultimately, it boils down to my family and children and the type of legacy I want to leave behind. They are the reason I work long days and nights — I worry for their future.”

The Washington Post just moments ago reported that the Senate failed again to extend vital Federal Tax Incentives for the green energy sector. Federal ITC measures will expire at the end of the year without further action.

Washington Post: By H. JOSEF HEBERT The Associated Press Tuesday, June 10, 2008; 12:42 PM:

Democrats failed to get Republican support for a proposal to extend tax breaks for wind, solar and other alternative energy development, and for the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. The tax breaks have either expired or are scheduled to end this year.

The tax provisions were included in a broader $50 billion tax measure blocked by a GOP filibuster threat. A vote to take up the measure was 50-44, short of the 60 votes needed.

California Solar Energy Industries responded immediately. From their email:

Regrettably, on a vote of 50-44 the U.S.Senate failed to invoke cloture on HR 6049, the bill that proposes extension of the Federal tax credits for commercial and residential customers. This occurred about 15 minutes ago.
SEIA will undoubtedly be working hard on a strategy for achieving enactment of an extension – we'll keep you posted on the next steps and share information as it becomes available.

Word on the street is that the Senate could vote as early as today on the critically needed Federal Tax Incentives for the "green" energy sector.

Industry organizations have been rallying to insure constituents contact representatives to insure this industry saving legislature is put in place.

From Solar Nation yesterday afternoon:

More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
Republican senators may hold the keys to our solar future!

Now that both parties in Congress have allowed political wrangling of the pettiest kind to kill the climate change bill for this year, we might hope a sense of shame would drive them to pass that other bill that's been killed and resurrected many times already this year – the clean energy tax credit extension package.

For even as the torn-up pieces of the former bill were fluttering to the floor last week, Senate Majority Leader Reid filed a motion to restart debate on the tax credits bill(HR6049).What's different this time around? Well, this time the Senate really is 'open for business'. Senate Finance Committee chairman Baucus is canvassing Republican senators to find out their price: what they want to see in the bill in return for their support at roll-call time.

From VoteSolar.org Monday as well:

We are nearing the finish line, seriously this time. Our Senators will be voting early this week on H.R. 6049, which includes an eight year extension of the commercial solar ITC, and a six year extension of the residential ITC. This is likely our last chance this year for a long-term extension of this crucial tax credit.We know that many of you contacted your Senators just a few weeks ago during the "National Day of Action," but it is critical that they hear from you again right before the vote.

Editor's Note: Photo is of Scott Gordon residence and his solar power array system

Mark Your Calendars: Increased interest in solar throughout California has given rise to new financing options, some available to homeowners for the first time in 2008. Solar Santa Monica invites interested residents, brokers and solar installers to attend a FREE panel discussion on solar loans and PPA’s (Power Purchase Agreements) featuring representatives from New Resource Bank, Sun Run and Helio Micro Utility. The program takes place on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica. Seating is limited so call to reserve your place: (310) 458-4992. Source: EcoMotion for Solar Santa Monica

From Steve LoRusso, Vice President of Sales at HelioPower and a “green energy” veteran who has dedicated many years of his professional life to the solar power industry:

"In an era of corporate downsizing, countless jobs are being lost. If the Solar Investment Tax Credit that is due to expire at year end is not extended, as many as 116,000 jobs in the green energy industry will also be lost, along with up to $19 billion in lost investment. On the other hand, millions of new jobs could be created in the manufacture and installation of American Energy Independence. The labor-intensive nature of renewable energy technologies could create countless new jobs. Solar, wind, wave, ocean, thermal, aquaculture, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass are among the many new energy technologies we need to develop.

Energy helps determine the wealth of a nation today, in the form of petroleum resources, exploitation of human resources and the technology to produce and deliver this energy at a profit. There is little we can do in our modern world that doesn't consume energy in one form or another. As a nation we have come to realize that the foreign oil on which we depend comes at too great a price. Domestic oil reserves are only a short-term solution and the long-term cost of nuclear energy safely can't be avoided. We need new energy sources now. To become energy independent would diffuse the concentration of wealth and power in the Middle East, correcting an imbalance of power in our global economy.

American ingenuity has always risen to the occasion. Our resourcefulness will be our saving grace. The combination of America's industrial capability, our intellectual horsepower and our abundant human resource pool can create limitless power. But we need the support of our government to continue to subsidize this vital industry. We need your help to convince your Senators and Congressman to stop politicizing this issue and extend the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit. Please help us to convince the Senate that the time to act is now. "

In a very few minutes you can use the Solar Nation website to add your voice to the chorus working to create energy independence for America.

Check to see how your local House representatives voted on H.R. 6049, Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008, at GovTrack.us.

Statement by Rhone Resch on House Passage of H.R. 6049 and upcoming Senate vote:

"For the Senate, the choice is now clear: they can either protect tax loopholes for privileged investment managers, or create tens of thousands of green-collar jobs in a troubled economy. Most Senators will find it very hard to turn their back on workers in their home state… Allowing the solar tax credit to expire is an enormous tax increase that will cost thousands of American jobs and billions in economic investment. Now is the time to act and secure our energy future."

Letter from Governor Schwarzenegger to Congressional Leadership,May 13, 2008:

"As Congress moves forward on legislation to extend tax credits, I must highlight three critical concerns for California. The extension of federal credits related to incentives for research and development, renewable energy and energy efficiency and a continuation of the 'patch' for the alternative minimum tax are hugely important to the health of the California economy."