This not-exactly economical solar table and a great instance of the Olympics using solar deserve mention, but cooler still is Oregon’s decision to use solar to help power a highway interchange.
OregonLive.com, which reported the story, states that “it represents a critical first step in what the department envisions as widespread use of solar energy.” Couldn’t be happier, and kudos to Oregon for taking this step. The big focus in solar right now, appropriately, is on the potential growth in residential and commercial contracts, but the federal government’s inaction on solar tax credits is a growing challenge. State governments, however, are facing budget crises in a more immediate fashion than those in Washington, and more than a few of them are going to realize that energy costs are not going to get any better anytime soon. Given the circumstances, long-term investments in renewable energy start to look a lot more sensible, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of these contracts handed out.
Another reason to expect more of these is that it provides direct government money to the private sector, especially for the emerging trend of “green-collar” workers. The typical fierceness of many congressional races means many legislators could see the benefit of being able to tout an accomplishment that’s fiscally sound, forward-thinking, green-conscious and putting lots of money back in local pockets. The obvious positives mean this is something for both analysts and political junkies to keep an eye on.
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