Solar Energy

Residential, Military Markets Offer Solar Industry Light at the end of the Tunnel

By Benjamin Gorelick on December 6, 2011 - 1:03pm

If you thought the conversation about solar energy in America was full of mixed messages, you'd be right. There are differences over the economic and commercial viability of solar power, and whether the government ought to play a role in encouraging renewable energy investment. These opinions (like so many others) are largely ideologically driven, but it’s starting to look like the divisiveness of the current political environment has begun plaguing the industry itself. Yes: things have gotten even more confusing.

Solar flare-up will make rain. Eventually.

By Benjamin Gorelick on September 20, 2011 - 8:37am

The bankruptcy of California-based solar technology manufacturer Solyndra proves one thing: the company misread its own market. It's just a shame that the firm was also a beneficiary of the DoE's loan guarantee program — to the tune of $535 million — for which American taxpayers are now liable.

Some important lessons may be learned from this failure. Politically, expect the usual finger pointing, buck passing, and ideological posturing. Don't waste your time deciding who gets the blame, or even who deserves it.