At a recent congressional hearing, Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise was told Congress that Georgia cannot meet a proposed mandate to obtain at least 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. He went on to say that other states would be able to meet the requirement, but Georgia cannot, due to a lack of sunlight.

"This assertion, is just plain wrong," says James B. Marlow Jr., CEO of Radiance Solar, an Atlanta solar energy company. "Georgia averages over five solar sun hours each day, which is more than enough sun for solar to make a significant contribution to Georgia's energy needs."

"In fact, solar energy has worked well everywhere it has been deployed, including places far less sunny than Georgia," says Marlow in an article for the Georgia Forum. "Germany is the world's leading solar market and averages only two solar sun hours each day. Solar energy is also working in Canada and in the Northeastern U.S."

"Some claim that solar is too expensive, but when they compare solar to traditional energy sources such as nuclear or coal, they do not fully include federal subsidies and the environmental costs of those sources," he adds. "More importantly, the cost of solar is rapidly coming down, while the cost of building traditional power plants is going up."

"Solar is also 'shovel ready,' meaning it is a technology that can be put right to work today," Marlow states. "In addition to providing clean electricity, solar can quickly provide thousands of high quality, high paying new jobs for Georgians. New solar construction can start in a few weeks, and large systems can be operational in 90 to 180 days. Plant Vogtle's proposed reactors, by contrast, will not be operational until 2017 or beyond."

"Solar is not the only solution; rather, it is an important part of a renewable energy strategy," Marlow suggests. "Coal will remain a source of electricity for Georgians for years to come. But it's time for Georgia's political leaders to step forward and work with the business community to ensure that more of our electricity comes from clean, renewable sources. Solar is a proven technology that is ready to be put to work today."

"Georgia's utilities have proven to be resourceful and innovative when given the proper incentives," Marlow concludes. "Hopefully, Georgia will soon join North Carolina, Florida and 30 other states in making the development of solar energy a priority."

Solar energy is not the only solution to our energy crisis, but it is an important part of a renewable energy strategy. While coal will remain a source of electricity for years to come, it's time for Georgia's political leaders to step forward and work with the business community to ensure that more of our electricity comes from clean, renewable sources.

Solar is shovel ready, meaning it is a technology that can be put right to work today. In addition to providing clean electricity, solar can quickly provide thousands of high quality, high paying new jobs for Georgians.

Georgia's utilities have proven to be resourceful and innovative when given the proper incentives. Hopefully, Georgia will soon join North Carolina, Florida and 30 other states in making the development of solar energy a priority.

Top