Less sunny future for solar energy industry

The United States saw a jump in the use of solar energy by about 9 percent in 2008, but will those numbers continue to rise as the recession hits hard or will this economy be a “pane” for solar energy?

In the past two years, solar panel capacity rose an impressive 78% and solar heater installations increased about 50 percent in the United States, but reports indicate that the first quarter of 2009 has hit the solar industry hard. Sales have slumped and solar companies are feeling the pinch.  

Enter the U.S. government, which is trying to guarantee loans for solar and other renewable energy projects. President Obama has pledged to double renewable energy production in three years. But more than tax credits and laws are needed in the United States.

Solar Energy Industries Association President Rhone Resch says that electricity providers also need to be legislated to generate a certain percentage of renewable energy. 

In Canada, the government is also making solar workforce development a priority. Solar energy seems to be boosting the economy by providing jobs and it is estimated that the industry’s labour force will increase by more than 100% over the next three years. 

The government is working with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges on developing a national curriculum for designers and installers of solar energy systems as well as the Electricity Sector Council and the Canadian Solar Industries Association.

Governments must take action in order for solar to successfully shine through this economic slump.