Editor’s Note: This editorial, written by a solar industry consultant, has been updated.
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Society thirsts for leadership at all times, in all forms, and for all matters. Despite the level which you believe politics should play in our everyday life, most people will tell you that those who we revere are often those we also look to for guidance. When it comes to energy, however, our society seems to be stuck in a mud of uncertainty.
Even though 90% of top scientific institutions will tell you that global warming is a realistic threat to the future of our planet, 50% of our leadership rejects the idea. They seem to want to halt progress on this issue, ignoring the financial and environmental benefits which accompany participation. Thus, our society seems to be consumed by a fear of free electricity.
The interesting thing about this predicament is that although we as Americans consider ourselves leaders of the free world, we actually lag well behind other countries that have fully embraced the renewable energy initiative. It is truly unfortunate that we possess the resources but not the leadership to seize the top spot on the international energy podium. This needs to change.
Whether you believe in the need for renewable energy or not, it is hard to deny the financial benefits gained, particularly through solar. Residents and businesses of San Antonio are blessed to live in an energy service area which incentivizes solar energy to a degree not seen in any other part of the country. CPS Energy’s solar rebate program, the Federal Government’s ITC tax credit, and the Internal Revenue’s Asset Depreciation Incentive make solar energy participation a lucrative investment.
With a high-degree of confidence I can say that I am unaware of any other prudent business venture which estimates zero risk, high returns, and is 100% guaranteed. This is because the foundation of solar energy is exactly that – the Sun. It will never have to be bailed out, it will never be victimized by sporadic dips in the stock market, and it produces something that we have used, currently use, and will continue to use for the entirety of our lives. Somethings are certain: Death, taxes, solar power, and the San Antonio Spurs.
Elected officials, chamber of commerce leaders and grass roots community organizers, we look to you to set the priority of this initiative. We look to you for guidance and for “your leadership.” San Antonio is currently ranked the seventh most progressive city for renewable energy adoption. San Antonio leadership should advocate for and sponsor policy development which advances San Antonio’s commitment to renewable energy – a priority that will take San Antonio to the top of the list of cities benefiting from energy savings and global atmospheric responsibility.
The question is: Will we continue to advance on the groundwork set by names like Sinkin and Castro? Or will those who we look to for leadership fall victim to non-action and keep us in the grasps of “solarphobia?”
Top image: An Eastside home with solar panels. Photo by Scott Ball.
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I doubt it’s society that “fears free electricity” more than the 50% of the “leadership” that seem to block all progression towards renewable resources.
What you are saying IS the problem. Without all the Government Money and rebate programs Solar DOES NOT MAKE SENCE! It CANNOT stand on its own. That is a problem.
Yes the Sun is free, but Solar is NOT. It is EXPENSIVE. Only made affordable by rebates.
Also there are no good storage solutions. So you STILL need to be hooked to the grid.
If you WANT Solar fine PAY FOR IT but the general public should NOT be giving YOU money to put up Solar.
Poisonous batteries that have to be disposed of are also good storage options if you want to be off the grid.
The author has a unstated incentive to promote solar… he is described at the end as a solar installer, and apparently also works as a advocate for solar power.
It seems that the fact the SA is one of the most progressive in terms of rebates would counter his argument that policy makers are in the way.
And, we are paying for those rebates through taxes, which is one reason some policy makers, and citizens, oppose the program. Not because solar is a bad idea or because of ISIS or LBGT.
I don’t think Rivard Report should have published this.
Is this a paper for an eighth grade civics class?
Made-up percentages, made-up claims, political porridge, failure to understand economics, insults, and a general nonsensical philosophy.
I am not at all understanding why the editor would publish this piece, but I will most certainly not recommend Advanced Solar and I feel sad for the Community Resource Group.
“Even though 90% of top scientific institutions will tell you that global warming is a realistic threat to the future of our planet, 50% of our leadership rejects the idea.”
Citations, please. (Citations are needed throughout, but putting percentages is always a mistake unless you can back ’em up.) And global warming, or climate change if you will, isn’t a threat to the planet in the slightest. The planet will be just fine. It was fine before humans got here, and it’ll be just fine after they’re gone.
But then, words mean different things to people in marketing, I suppose.