Arizona's Institute for Energy Policy

How many tax payers does it take to install a solar panel?

Ten, 1 to install it and 9 of us to pay for it.

Sadly, the combined utility rebates, federal and state credits, and net meter subsidies make this about right.

Welcome

We're big fans of renewable energy and environmental stewardship, but subsidies to on-grid PV helps neither and this artificial solar industry will vanish when the subsidies are eliminates.

Renewable energy lobbyist use the government to promote laws which increase their sales and profits, but these laws will not meaningfully reduce CO2, provide energy independence, or help our economy. In fact, it is likely we will be worse off in each of these objectives by following the current subsidy approach.

This blog is dedicated to presenting a intellectually honest information without the hype. We believe alternative energy solutions can be developed using market price signals rather than overriding them.

Background

I became a solar enthusiast at the age of 13 during the Arab oil embargo. My response was to build a solar PV car for my science fair project. Since that point, my education and career paths have gravitated towards various renewable energy projects. After 18 years as an aerospace engineer I started a renewable energy company which has now grown to a dozen full time employees, a few million in annual revenue and operations in Tucson, El Paso, Carmel, and Qingdao. We design, manufacture, and distribute solar powered refrigerators under the brand name SunDanzer and perform R&D work for the US Army and NASA in the area of solar powered cooling systems for lunar bases and the battle field. As you read this blog, keep in mind that I am passionate about the U.S. energy situation and desire more than anything to help our country make a smooth transition from our current fuel mix to a more sustainable one. As you read my criticism, particularly of on-grid solar PV and subsidies, please do not infer that I am against renewables or doubt we are affecting the level of CO2 in the atmosphere and oceans. Many of our national policies are good, but many are wasteful and counter-productive. This blog encourages us to think rationally about renewable energy. We have an important challenge regarding energy and we need people with perspective to lead.

This blog is dedicated to developing alternative energy solutions which are sustainable without subsidies, rebates, credits, or regulations to force their use. Such tactics rob from the true spirit of innovation. If CO2 is a problem, tax it, and let the market respond in millions of small yet optimal ways. It will be far more effective than governmental central planning which is prone to corruption by selfish lobbyist.

David Bergeron

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