Research Blog 2 - Group 8

Submitted by apersohn on Fri, 04/17/2009 - 20:53

Topic: Government Affairs

Source: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

After my initial research blog to gain background information about solar energy, I wanted to focus more on governmental issues dealing with solar energy. This took off quite easily since our government is stepping in to cut down on energy costs and creating a better environment. I found the SEIA website very useful. They show many current federal and state governmental issues and affairs. These affairs include the recent Economic Recovery Package, developing global warming legislation, and the Solar Investment Tax Credit. I found the Solar Investment Tax Credit interesting as one of the incentives of the bill include a $2,000 tax credit for a homeowner if he or she purchases a residential solar water heating system. Including these facts in the white paper will help give positive information about solar energy to the Secretary of Energy, whom we will primarily address.

The SEIA website also includes new solar technology and products. This will come in handy when explaining to our audience the new, more efficient technologies coming in the near future. It will show that the fast-paced industry is constantly growing and improving.