The Ground Floor

Harnessing the Sun

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $13.7 million over three fiscal years (2008 – 2010) in 11 university-led projects focusing on developing advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology manufacturing processes and products. Combined with a minimum university and industry cost share of 20 percent, up to $17.4 million will be invested in these projects.

University projects have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of electricity produced by PV from current levels of $0.18-$0.23 per Kilowatt hour (kWh) to $0.05-$0.10 per kWh by 2015 -- a price that is competitive in markets nationwide, the DOE said. President Bush’s Solar America Initiative aims to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity by 2015.

Each participating university will work with an industry partner to ensure the projects retain a commercialization focus and that results are quickly transitioned into market-ready products and processes.

A Congressional Remedy for the Housing Crisis?

Congress returns this week to rising fears of recession and a growing crisis in the housing markets. Proposals for Congessional action are being developed but no consensus for action has yet emerged.

Sarah Rosen Wartell of the Center for American Progress wrote the following update Monday:

There are increasing indications that the President is sure to offer a proposal in his State of the Union address or before for: (1) a universal tax rebate of some form and (2) business investment tax incentives. He continues to argue for making the Bush tax cuts permanent as well.