Traditionally, Japan and Germany have led the way in advancing the use of solar energy to generate power for every day use. However it seems that the state of California is catching up in the sustainable and renewable energy industry. In the near future it will not only take the lead in clean energy generation but will lead the way forward. This article will show why California looks set to become the world leader in clean energy technology and why this has happened.
California has a track record in encouraging technological innovation, as it has shown in the computer industry. According to the Climate Group, $523 million was invested in the clean tech industry in California in 2005. The clean tech industry is an amalgam of energy creating ideas, research and products that produce cleaner and sustainable energy. It estimates that there will be $167 billion invested in the industry worldwide by 2015. It also believes that some 20,000 to 83,000 jobs may be created in California in the clean tech industry.
Currently for the first quarter of 2007, $307 million has been invested by venture capitalists into the clean tech industry in California. This is more than double the amount invested in the whole of Europe for this period.
This influx of money is down to two major factors. The first is that the state government has encouraged the use of cleaner energy, notably solar energy through legislation and subsidies.
Approximately $3 billion is being put into a 10 year program that hopes to put solar panels onto roofs throughout California. The state government hopes to have 20% of the energy used in homes created through renewable sources (mainly solar power). There is also legislation planned that will aim to encourage businesses to cut green house gas emissions. In the future it will reward companies that can be more environmentally friendly.
The second factor promoting the innovation of cleaner energy sources is the unique culture of business in California. Many companies and their products are created based on the finance supplied by venture capital. Large investors are willing to take a punt on a particular idea or product. Some may not work out but some will. This has been proved in the computer industry to attract talent and promote rapid advancement.
This is particularly so in the solar energy industry where solar cells and panels continue to be developed using new material. One of the stumbling blocks in the solar industry was that silicon was used to produce the solar panels. This was expensive and took time to develop as silicon ran out. The new panels are designed to be easier to install on the traditional vantage point of most home solar panels, the roof. Work also goes on to improve the efficiency of a solar cell and panel.
Clean tech industries, and solar power in particular, look set to become a boom industry in California. Not just because of the location of the state but also the will of industry and government to make the technology work for everyday uses.
Solar power can be applied to many house and garden products. In recent years the cost of these appliances have become very affordable and saved money on energy bills. Learn more about solar powered appliances at http://www.solarpowerappliances.com/ . The site has features on solar pool covers and heating and solar outdoor lighting. Adrian Whittle writes about using solar power and appliances that can utilize renewable energy sources.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle
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