The times they are a-changin'.

A New Bold Bright Era is dawning...

The year 1998 also saw the debut of Forbes' annual "E-Gang" feature—a series of profiles of leading companies and entrepreneurs in the year's hottest technology sector (that year, it was E-commerce pioneers like Yahoo and OnSale). How times have changed.

This year, on the cover of the Sept. 3 issue of Forbes, is Applied Materials CEO Michael Splinter in front of the headline "Shine On! The New Players in Solar Power Generate Golden Returns (Really)." The article profiles solar energy leaders like Applied Materials, Miasole, Kyocera, and Germany's Conergy—the Forbes E-Gang of 2007.

From the Nevada desert to the roofs of Wal-Mart stores to the legendary plains of Spain, solar is entering a bold, bright new era. Each week, solar seems to be winning new enthusiasts like Forbes, new investors of all stripes, and new large-scale business users like Wal-Mart, Macy's and Kohl's.

My 2c worth:

Today commercial ventures and solar farms out in the desert are what is keeping the solar companies and their ever-expanding plant capacity busy today...but policy changes are and will drive market penetration into residential sector. I (and you) may not have 30-40,000$ for a solar roof today but in a couple years prices will drop and tax credits will make it possible to afford one easily. It makes sense for the future of the world - for your kids and grand-kids (to come) -- but within 5-10 years, solar roofs will also make economic sense and be not only the right thing to do but the most sensible thing to do from all standpoints.

hence...2 things for those of you in the US to do:

• Write to your senators & congressmen through this link askng them to vote for solar in the Energy Bills which are in the House & Senate currently. These bills represent our biggest opportunity yet to jumpstart solar energy in this country.
  

• The National Solar Tour is this weekend. This involves a series of open-houses and informative tours where participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights.

This is a free shinding the ASES (Americal Solar Energy Society) puts together every year..

Find 2007 National Solar Tour events Click Here >>>
See photos of select tour homes and buildings Click Here >>>

And yes...spread the word!

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If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.
- Times they are a-changin by Bob Dylan

DISCLAIMER: I do not have ANY vested interest in solar technology or solar company stocks, though I have read a lot about this topic in the past few months. That said, I have always been environmentally conscious but realized that one-man's lifestyle cannot change the world. Hence the "preaching" of late...