Stupid Laws Screw Solar

As ever, it seems that the intervention of people has been totally counterproductive in moving the world into a sustainable future. It seems that in California, that renowned hotbed of solar activity, and over here in the UK, from where this EcoGeek writes there are some silly decisions being made about how to fund and finance solar electricity.

In L.A., In this instance, the Governator may have dropped a clanger, by forcing those who wish to connect their installation to the grid, to sign up with the utilities for power-plans that charge more for power at peak time. This really screws with the economics of installing solar arrays for those good guys who want to do the right thing. Sales of solar panels have gone down almost 80% in a year that was supposed to herald the beginning of a million solar roofs.

Over in the United Kingdom, they don't seem to be getting things much better. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme, which has already been heavily lambasted for being "sold out" within the first day of becoming available, has now decided to cut the amount it gives to each homeowner by half. Can we make a suggestion? Uhhh...why not increase the funding instead of slashing subsidies.

At a time when the renewable energy industry needs crucial support from the 'powers that be' and when we urgently need to reduce our carbon emissions, why is there so little support from the people who govern us. Contrast the snail like speed with which legislators fund renewable energy with the hare-like pace with which they fund war.

Via Los Angeles Times and The BBC