When President Barack Obama signs the $787 billion economic stimulus package Tuesday at least one San Diego company is likely to benefit. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.
Because solar costs have been a barrier, government tax breaks and other incentives have been necessary to spur the growth of the solar industry.
The federal stimulus provides $6 billion for renewable energy sources including solar.
One of the companies at the forefront of solar development is San Diego-based Kyocera.
The company manufactures solar panels at a plant in Tijuana.
Kyocera vice president Tom Dyer says the company is ranked fourth in the world in the manufacturing and sales of solar panels.
Dyer:
The solar division within Kyocera is the fastest growing division. The cost of solar products are coming down, the efficiencies are going up.
Dyer says the recession has been a challenge, but he believes solar and other renewable energy technologies will help lead the country out of the economic downturn.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.