Can America Withstand the Chinese Solar Panels Invasion?
Whilst Mr. Obama has stated clearly that he wanted to make the United States "the world's leading exporter of renewable energy", it is China's companies that quietly have established their domination in the green energy business, particularly in sola
Online, February 15, 2010 (Newswire.com)
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The SolarCost.org predicted that America will become the renewable energy consumers only unless they can push down their local products prices to stop the Chinese domination. This is contrary to the statement of the US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis who mentioned in the Solar Power International 2009 Conference that the United States can become the world's leading
exporter of renewable energy. According to the SolarCost.org it is impossible for the United States to win the price battle because the Chinese companies are taking advantage from their low labor cost and cheap loans, some important factors greatly supported by their government.
The photovoltaic panels used to cost around 40% to 60% of the total solar component cost in the past. With the much lower solar panel price nowadays plus the federal and local tax incentives this situation will help a lot of people who want to reduce their utility bill while at the same time keep the solar cost as low as possible. Should people don't like the idea of having their own solar panels they can even rent them, there are companies doing this business and they will take care of the installation and maintenance as well. On the other hand the local solar panel
manufacturers is facing more difficulties and really have to think hard to find ways to reduce the production cost significantly to win the price war.
Apart from the cost of the solar panels and other components of the solar electricity system, at the end the world doesn't really have many options. Going green is not an alternative as until now nobody can give a better solution to substitute the hydrocarbon once the fossil fuels are not available anymore. Sunlight - together with wind energy - can be one of the most possible main energy resources in the future.
Mr. Obama has to find a better solution if he still wants to see the United States plays a significant role in the renewable energy business. Another pessimistic words had been sounded by Thomas M. Zarrella, the chief executive of GT Solar International last year: "I don't see Europe or the United States becoming major producers of solar products - they'll be consumers."