A recent article in the Phoenix Business Journal got under my skin. The article was simply a report on facts, but I found the facts to be pretty appalling. The article initially began on a positive note. Approximately $1.5 million in federal stimulus money was awarded to Arizona projects. The projects range from a large order of chicken eggs, to park improvements projects, to a major solar panel installation at a military base. Five companies, spanning the state, were awarded contracts, totaling approximately $1.2 million of this money. It is fantastic that Arizona-based companies won these bids, because now the state will benefit in many ways from the revenue stream.

The disheartening news is that three out-of-state companies were awarded the remainder of the $1.5 million, including a New York-based construction company enlisted for a solar panel installation project in Yuma. I’m not sure who is in charge of determining which companies will ultimately do the work, but wouldn’t it have been a bigger boon for our state if all of the contracts were given to local companies? I’m sure there are many competent companies throughout the United States that can do the same job. However, if that chunk of federal stimulus money is to fully benefit Arizona, I feel Arizona companies should have been chosen over comparable companies elsewhere. Obviously the topic of solar installations is closer to my realm of knowledge than construction dumpers, but I’m sure there are local companies that could have handled the solar panel installation job. It would be nasty of me not to congratulate the company that won the bid, since every state can use the help right now. But, my loyalty to my own backyard and the hard working people in it, keeps me from being very happy about the choice.

Holly
Public Relations

What an exciting time! It seems that nearly every day when I open the newspaper, there are more and more advancements with solar energy. The last major news announcement was about the advancement of the solar industry bill, 1403, to attract new solar energy related companies to the state. The passing of this bill has the potential to position Arizona as a hub for companies involved with solar energy. The latest major announcement this week is that Arizona was among ten states to be awarded 50% of an approved $55 million of their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the State Energy Program. A variety of proposed programs will advance energy efficiency and renewable energy in Arizona, including solar energy projects. Among many programs, the grants and loans will help make government buildings more energy efficient; reduce energy consumption in Arizona schools; advance the development of renewable energy systems on high profile buildings and public spaces; and offer further incentives for solar energy users. It is not clear which of these projects will receive immediate attention; however the objective of the ARRA is to stimulate private investment, create jobs, and speed economic recovery. Let’s hope the approval of these funds will not only do just that but also put us on a stronger path to energy independence!

Holly
Public Relations

Jigar Shah, founder of SunEdison, says the theme of his keynote talk will be that “We got everything we want except respect.”

Shah explains that a progressive administration and energy-minded Congress are happy to provide incentives and stimulus funds to promote solar energy projects. But in spite of a seven-year track record of 40 percent annual growth, Washington officials still don’t regard solar industries as grown-up, responsible businesses that can meet their targets.

Ev [...]