6 Dangers Facing US Solar Energy

All across the West, firefighters are forging through a long hot summer of wildfires.  Along with their boots, helmet, Nomex clothing, fire shelter, and canteen they carry a pocket-sized reference of “Ten Standing Orders” and “Ten Situations that Shout Danger.” 

A red skull and crossed bones smiles at them from the cover.  Inside, the twenty commandments of wild-land firefighting warn against “…advancing a hose-line downhill toward a fire…” or “…attempting a frontal assault on a fire…”  Having fought California’s wildfires for 18 years, I take those warnings seriously.

This season I’m wondering, if the Solar Industry had a pocket-sized danger-warning reference, what would it say?  What pitfalls might it point to? 

◊  In a failing economy, your best customers are unable to find financing and can’t use available tax subsidies and credits. Fire-fighting analogy: You and your crew are running out of water.

◊  Wall Street invests in renewable energy startups but not installations. Fire-fighting analogy: The fire district board purchases bright new fire engines, but does not fund new personnel to use them.

◊  You are trying to explain that “solar power really isn’t all that expensive” using terminology created by the oil and gas industry. Fire-fighting analogy: When you radio for more resources, no one understands you.

◊  Oil and coal companies pour millions into a national campaign to defeat climate and renewable energy legislation.  Fire-fighting analogy: An arsonist is a couple of steps ahead of you and your crew.

◊  Though there are a dozen renewable energy industry organizations, only one or two are waging an effective and focused national campaign. Fire-fighting analogy: it would be deadly if personnel were not coordinating with one another.

If the fire service were to coach the solar industry, what would they advise?

√  “Once on scene, establish an incident command and a unified strategy.” The solar industry is currently an entrepreneurial free-for-all. Good. From time to time, however, activism on public policy issues benefits everyone in the solar industry.

√  “Make a direct, aggressive attack on the fire.” Combine policy and strategy efforts into to a unified campaign to accelerate construction of new solar power installations.

√  “Order early - Order often!” Don’t wait for the fire to spread before calling for more equipment, personnel, and water. The Federal 30% cash grant program is multi-year, with unlimited funds. Use it effectively. Use it often.

 √  “Use ‘Clear Speak’ when talking on the radio.” Employ direct and simple language that listeners will understand even when there is static. Avoid the temptations of insider’s jargon; use terms that everyone can readily comprehend.

√  “Be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather.” US political weather changes often and unexpectedly. Over the next eight years, install enough solar energy to change the weather.