Solar Power:

SEIA President Resch says high oil prices, state incentives are driving solar boom

As high oil and gas prices spur consumers to consider alternative sources of energy, solar power leaders say their industry is ready for prime time. The industry is growing at a frantic pace both internationally and in the United States, as photovoltaic panel costs decrease and state and federal officials sign solar incentives into law. Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, examines whether solar can become more than a niche market in the United States and addresses concerns that the industry is growing too fast for its own good. Plus, he calls on policymakers to extend solar incentives as they consider new energy legislation following Hurricane Katrina.