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Federal Stimulus May Boost Solar Industry

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.

Federal Stimulus May Boost Solar Industry

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.

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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.

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Ed Joyce, KPBS News.