Solar

The cost of solar energy has plummeted thanks to technological innovation and improved manufacturing processes. This is driving a boom in the installation of solar panels on Virginia homes and businesses.¹ The growth of solar energy is not only about reducing pollution and addressing global warming – it also means the creation of new, American businesses, new construction jobs, and a more secure electric grid. The solar industry has the ability to generate anywhere between 240,000 to 965,000 direct or indirect jobs by 2030.² China currently dominates the solar industry, currently controlling 66 percent of the $39 billion solar photovoltaic cell market³ -- creating 100,000 clean energy jobs annually.⁴

• As Senator, I will support efforts to increase the competitiveness of American companies and innovators in solar energy by increasing investments in this emerging clean technology.

 

 

¹U.S. Department of Energy. Sunshot Vision Study. February 2012.
²University of Tennessee. Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. Assessment of Incentives and Deployment Impacts of Solar Industry Development. May 1, 2012.
³Walther, Robert and Freed Joshua. Third Way. “By the Numbers: China, the U.S. and Clean Energy.” 2012.
⁴Walther, Robert and Freed Joshua. Third Way. “By the Numbers: China, the U.S. and Clean Energy.” 2012.