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Strategies & Market Trends : The Epic American Credit and Bond Bubble Laboratory -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: benwood who wrote (29094)	3/22/2005 1:05:22 PM
From: Mike M2	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

Ben, Evergreen Solar ESLR. My buddy mentioned them but I don't know anything about them . Mike

To: benwood who wrote (29094)	3/22/2005 1:05:36 PM
From: Wyätt Gwyön	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

Japan is now the leader in solar panels. they had a nationwide subsidy for some years. they gradually reduced the subsidy as volumes increased, to the point where the subsidy was eliminated. prices have come down dramatically and are very cheap, like probably 20% of US prices, but i don't know whether you can get an import from them (or who would install it if you did). here in Austin, they have a subsidy program, but i think it is mainly to overpay the American companies who are trying to jumpstart their businesses. the sensible thing at this point would be to import from Japan. of course, if we weren't wasting all that money on Iraq, we could have a very substantial and effective national subsidy program here and perhaps grow a real industry in a few years. instead, we just have these one-off programs scattered in a few cities, but that has little effect at the national level and lacks the scale and focus of the Japan-style national program. instead of devoting national resources to worthwhile causes like alternative energies, we subsidize weapons manufacturers and social welfare programs for the military industrial complex. meanwhile, the Japanese take the helm of another critical industry. oh, but at least we Americans are "leaders" in the critical industry of iPods!

To: benwood who wrote (29094)	3/22/2005 1:40:09 PM
From: Horgad	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

This US company manufactures some cool flexible solar panels, but I am not sure if they have brought them to market yet. All I see on their website is some case studies. ovonic.com

To: benwood who wrote (29094)	3/22/2005 1:51:23 PM
From: xropotkin	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 110194

you might find this interesting statement from a german government web site. bundesregierung.de AFAIK, germany pumped about $600 million in subsidies and low interest loans into household solar systems. according to some people i keep in contact with over there, there is strong demand for the systems because people want to take advantage of the subsidies while they are available. the green party in germany drove through an initiative that phases out nuclear power over the next 20 or so years. it is interesting to see a government develop a bold, comprehensive energy initiative and put the money and political capital behind it that gives it a chance to succeed.