Planning for Success

The solar industry has benefitted from federal research and development programs over the last 15 years and has achieved significant technology development, in cooperation with the private sector, to make sustainable industry growth possible. While the potential for a sustainable US solar industry is not in question, there is skepticism about whether solar energy can realistically provide significant energy in a timeframe that justifies continued support. Solar energy must achieve greater market penetration on a sustainable basis - not tied to federal policy, but rather to the marketplace. This new stage entails quantitative measurement of energy produced annually, jobs created and sustained, export markets penetrated, and pollution avoided as requirements that government cannot totally control but must foster. Some principles must be articulated to guide the new industry/government partnership that has evolved over the last few years and direct the way in which we work together.