If you need a reason, to get out there, and get Democrats re-elected, here ya go ...
Solar Power: Brighter Long-Term Investment Outlook
Energy standards requiring U.S. utilities to use solar power could drive growth for companies ranging from inverter makers to installation financiers
David Bogoslaw, Bloomberg Businessweek, msnbc.com -- 8/25/2010
With U.S. installed capacity growing at a faster pace than that of the international market, the country may be on track to become a more dominant market by 2014, according to Larry Sherwood, an analyst at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).
Some 23Gw of solar capacity are under development in the U.S., enough to provide electricity for 4.4 million households, according to the Solar Energy Industries Assn. (SEIA). Solar demand in the U.S. is expected to grow 75 percent in 2011, compared with 2010.
Sounds Great! What's the catch?
Much of this predicted Growth in Solar Infrastructure in America, is contingent on Federal Incentives to help afford such forward-looking Capital Investments.
Those incentives expire this year.
[... continuing from the previous report ...]
One factor could snarl that time line: the expiration of federal incentives, specifically the Treasury Dept.'s cash grant program, which currently covers 30 percent of a project's costs, as long as construction has begun by the end of 2010.
SEIA and other groups are pushing to have the qualifying construction start date extended by two years, to the end of 2012. Members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee didn't return calls asking when they would vote on extending the program. Kaufman Brothers said in an Aug. 17 research note that the firm didn't expect a major decision on solar incentives until after the fall U.S. elections.
So this is another one of those "kick the can down the road issues" ...
And if the GOP regains the balance of power, after the Fall Elections, GUESS which way they will "kick the can", on this one?
Afterall ... [from my prepared talking points ...]
If Republicans got their Way ... there would be no more Medicare.
If Republicans got their Way ... you couldn't Retire until 70.
If Republicans got their Way ... they'd privatize Social Security.
If Republicans got their Way ... there would be no more Corporate income tax.
If Republicans got their Way ... they'd eliminate taxes on Capital gains.
If Republicans got their Way ... they'd cut in half the taxes of the richest 1 percent.
If Republicans got their Way ... the Bush Tax Cut for the Rich would never end.
Goals of Republican's Roadmap for America's Future:
The Ryan Budget's Radical Priorities
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
By Paul N. Van de Water -- July 7, 2010
If Republicans get their way this fall, say Good-bye to the Progress, we've been been slowly seeing the last few year --
and say Hello! -- to Perpetual Gridlock -- NO Bridges to the Future -- For You!
Don't fight to win the battle, only to lose the larger war ...
metaphorically speaking, of course.