As someone who designs and installs solar energy systems, the emergence of China as the leading provider of high-quality, low-cost equipment comes as a mixed blessing. My firm began receiving solicitations from Chinese manufacturers early last year, and the tempo has dramatically increased over the past four months of advertised prices that are one-half the going rates of a year ago, now as low as $1.70 per Watt.
This allows my commercial clients to enjoy an economic payback on their systems in less than five years, which previously stood in the 7-9 year range. Unfortunately, we are also allowing the Chinese to grow their manufacturing jobs and amass the know-how vital to manufacturing these advanced technologies on a global scale.
I cannot understand why our government does not provide more stimulus to these industries of the future, instead of bailing out those industries heading for a dead-end (automotive) or failing to produce products of real value (financial institutions that make reckless investments.)
This allows my commercial clients to enjoy an economic payback on their systems in less than five years, which previously stood in the 7-9 year range. Unfortunately, we are also allowing the Chinese to grow their manufacturing jobs and amass the know-how vital to manufacturing these advanced technologies on a global scale.
I cannot understand why our government does not provide more stimulus to these industries of the future, instead of bailing out those industries heading for a dead-end (automotive) or failing to produce products of real value (financial institutions that make reckless investments.)
I sorta think it's a good thing, but our government needs to do far more -- too much lip service and not much else. With all due respect, the fossil fuel industry has our government by the ... well, you get the point. Hope you are doing well these days.
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