First Solar, based in Tempe, reportedly doubled quarterly profits in the last 3 months of 2008. More importantly, in my opinion, First Solar indicates that they reduced the cost of solar panels from $1.12 per watt of output to $0.98 per watt of output!
Given anticipated climate trends and the emphasis on reducing dependencies on petroleum and coal-based energy sources, seeing the cost to produce solar panel technology is a welcome development. The cost to install solar is always one of the chief concerns for homeowners. There is no doubt in my mind that as the cost to install solar technology in our homes continues to reduce in price, coupled with government incentives to do so, we will see many more homeowners taking advantage of solar energy on their houses.
Since we live in the Valley of the Sun, there is a great untapped natural resource in abundance here that we should be doing better to harness. So, this is a welcome development for many who are looking to solar energy as one of the great opportunities for creating change in how we power our homes and reduce our impact on the environment.
Secondarily, let’s hope First Solar’s growth contributes to job creation here in the Phoenix area. If you aren’t familiar with First Solar, they are located just off the 202 Freeway north of Tempe.
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