California Solar Energy

An article I found from the New York Times (http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/californias-solar-scorecard/) summarizes the many viewpoints about California’s goal to install solar panels on one million households by 2018. The article provides the commentaries of several experts in the field and shows that there is a wide range of opinions and expectations regarding the installation and use of solar panels on private homes. The first three opinions range from disappointment to optimism to a realistic perspective and suggestions for improvement. The first reports that, despite the statewide goal, only about 50,000 homes have installed solar panels, and leaders have not done enough to promote the issue. Although improvements have been made, much of the funding going towards the project will likely be used by corporations rather than private homeowners, who will still face a cost of about $24,000 to install the panels. The second commentary focuses on the promise and potential of solar panels, referring to the jobs and competition that have been created. The writer points out two main benefits of the push for solar panel use. He believes that the push has created a new industry and has led to an area of political agreement. He concludes by comparing the US to Germany, where 8 times more solar power was installed last year, and by trying to inspire the US to reclaim its place in the solar industry. The opinion of the third commentator takes a middle ground. He points out that despite the funding being provided to promote solar panel installation, the panels are still relatively inefficient and although the cost for large-scale installations is decreasing, the cost for residential use remains much higher than that of other alternative energy sources. The commentator suggests putting funding into the currently most cost effective alternative energy sources for residential use and continuing to fund research that could make solar panels more efficient in the future.