10 Million Solar Roofs Bill Moves Forward

July 26th, 2010 by Zachary Shahan

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If you haven’t heard by now, the U.S. Senate Energy Committee advanced a big piece of solar energy legislation last week (prior to the killing of the climate and clean energy bill). Vermont senator and Green Jobs Committee chairman Bernie Sanders got his “Ten Million Solar Roofs” bill through the influential Energy Committee on Wednesday with a vote of 13-10.

This bill (one of my Top 10 Clean Energy Topics to Keep an Eye On in 2010), as you might guess, is aimed at getting 10 million new solar systems on U.S. roofs in the next 10 years.

If the legislation is eventually approved, it is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and cut greenhouse gas emissions immensely.

“We are losing the race for solar jobs, and falling behind other nations in solar installations,” said Sanders. “That must change. The question is whether we will take advantage of clean, renewable solar energy or let other countries create solar jobs using technology developed in America. I think we can lead. This bill will help us do that.”

Sanders also mentioned the deflating fact that though the U.S. invented the solar cell, countries like Japan, Germany, and Spain have surged ahead of us in the use of this technology.

If the bill goes through, it will offer $250 million for competitive grants in 2012 and $500 million a year after that until 2021.

The U.S. Department of Energy claims that combined with existing solar energy incentives, the 10 Million Solar Roofs bill could exceed its goal of 10 million new solar systems in 10 years.

Though a comprehensive climate and energy bill is now dead, this bill focused on one of the cleanest technologies in the world is alive and worthy of great support. And you can help it along! Contact your Senators today and tell them to support this bill.

via CalFinder

Photo Credit: kbaird via flickr

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Tags: 10 Million Solar Roofs, Bernie Sanders, Legislation, Senate, U.S. Senate, US Senate

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

http://www.socalgreenrealestateblog.com Jodi Summers

SOLAR RULES in ALTERNATIVE ENERGY POLL

An overwhelming majority -92% of Americans polled – Support Solar Energy Development, according to a national survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research.

Almost half of all Americans (49%) say they’re currently pondering solar power options for their home or business – and another three percent already have solar power. Among those who would like to take advantage of solar power at home or at work, seven in 10 (70%) envision they would make the change within the next five years.

The general consensus is that many Americans feel they lack information – fewer than one in five (12%) – can claim that they’re extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. What’s more, almost three in four (74%) Americans admit they wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business.
Pelle

If this doesnt pass the sens are bought