[RE-wrenches] Discussion on Focus

[Joel Davidson]

CALSEIA has a strong solar thermal focus because (1) Les Nelson, CALSEIA's 
former executive director, was a solar thermal guy, (2) solar California 
thermal companies are active CALSEIA members that pay dues and pay into the 
Political Action Committee fund, (3) solar thermal has been a profitable 
business without subsidies, and (4) swimming pool solar heating has been 
cost effective for many years. I'm a PV guy so the California solar thermal 
guys may have more to say.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dana" <dana at solarwork.com>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:06 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Discussion on Focus


>I am quite glad that the current administration has re-upped and improved
> the tax rebates for the next 8 years. I am amazed that the thermal credit
> did not receive the same attention that the PV draws and this is my point
> that I would like to bring to discussion.
>
> The gas and oil industry has their lobby and they are quite effective. Why
> are we as an industry [Solar, I hate the word alternative as it should be
> main stream] divided? Why do we not have one focal point representing us?
> Why do we not have one focused lobby effort? Instead we have the wind 
> lobby,
> the thermal lobby, the PV lobby all pushing for their own small portion, 
> and
> what we are ending up with is small portions. Now I do acknowledge that I
> have a hard time getting qualified installers even with where the market 
> is
> now. But If we are going to take this to the next level and be the main
> stream and not the side stream we have to look at this differently and 
> join
> forces. We now have the equipment and the interest thanks to the
> fluctuations in the energy market. Is everyone ready for the next batch of
> $4 and up fuel prices?
>
> We are diluting our long term goal [energy independence, main stream 
> instead
> of alternative acceptance] for short term business success measured in the
> next extension of the tax credits, or state and local rebates.
>
> I know that I am not the one to do this but I would like to challenge the
> groups that exist out there; SIEA, all the local state SEIAs, NABCEP, the
> American Wind Energy Association, whomever promotes Thermal? Does anyone
> promote Thermal solar; To set aside all the state by state efforts and to
> join together for a focused push, lobby, & promotion of the Solar 
> industry.
> Lets break out of the micro management and move to the macro - the big
> picture in energy, to where we are not the alternative , but where we are
> the only publicly accepted intelligent choice for the main harvest of
> energy. I know all the arguments about how established the fossil fuel
> industry is. I am suggesting that we look at the big picture. If someone 
> is
> already doing this please let me know.
>
> I think our time has come. I invite your discussion and comments.
>
>
> Thanks all for all your input and dedication -
>
> Dana Orzel
>
> Great Solar Works, Inc
> www.solarwork.com
> E - dana at solarwork.com
> V - 970.626.5253
> F - 970.626.4140
> C - 970.209.4076
>
>
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