Solar power is one of those intriguing things.We have been using the sun for warmth for millions of years. Without it we don't exist, too much of it and we are toast. With the new administration, which ever one it is, an energy policy will finally be a focus. This past year has been a pivotal year for many things to come. Regardless of the outcome the saying that comes to mind " to the victor goes the spoils." Unfortunately President Cheney has left us a pile of do do all over the world and a heap of debt. Solar energy can help us gain traction against our tremendous cash outpouring to Arab countries and other oil producing countries. This will help us keep our cash in our country and pay down this humongous debt.

So what does that have to do with solar energy. In part, one could make the point of all the oil that wasn't being pumped due to our failed heavy handed political policies and wars that is the reason oil prices shot up so high. While there was supply restrictions and accelerating economic growth in the Asian and Indian economies that affected the price, I say it was a good thing. Think of it, the Japanese auto industry got it's foothold in the first oil crisis in the 70's. What we got in part, were much better quality cars, more energy efficient too. The American worker was so good the Japanese started doing most of their manufacturing over here. Tesla Motors is a Silicon Valley start up is seeing opportunity and has a beautiful all electric sports car. Opportunity and innovation are embraced and many electric and solar based businesses are starting and thriving in Silicon Valley.

The American auto companies were slow to learn the lesson of efficient quality cars. This "oil crisis" brought home once again the idea "oh, we should make more energy efficient cars" with a painful reminder of the past. So a lot of the problem lies at the person looking back at you in the mirror. Many drive big gas guzzling SUV's. I see many of them here in Santa Cruz, California. I seem them all over. So the point is we are our problem. We change most often when the economics of the situation make us think, do I want to be spending 4 bucks a gallon for gas when it was only 2 a few years ago. The answer was a resounding "hell no." The line for Toyota Prius winds around the corner, hello Detroit and big auto makers.

The upshot was a monumental shift at GM. They are focusing on making fuel efficient cars now, but are highly focusing on electric cars.Yes the company that had the EV (for electric vehicle) and then wouldn't sell them,despite owners loving them seems to have gotten the message. The are into electric cars with both feet. In late 2009 and 2010 we should start seeing some of them. The titanic shift should be boon to the company if they can survive the latest stock meltdown. The admission from GM that global warming is in fact happening and petro-fuels are no longer the best economic and ecological alternative is a great first step. For so long auto companies were in denial and always fighting the fuel economy standards. The industry's denial reminds me of the tobacco industry's famous industry titans all lying to congress that cigarettes don't cause cancer. Great team of liars, despite all facts. I applaud GM with it's push towards electric, as I believe the day will shortly be upon us, where we can plug in our cars at home and drive to work, powered by our home solar systems. Hopefully they woke up soon enough.

Santa Cruz real estate values are down, but the green enery features of solar panels and well insulated and energy regulated homes are in demand. Like all things there is a price trade off and as more energy efficient homes become the norm, prices will fall and older homes will be retrofitted with the most current solar technology. More on that later. Power your car up at home from the energy collected all day while you are at work will be a common practice within 5 years is my guess. Homes with larger solar systems will start being more in demand as their excess will be needed for transportation or to add to the electricity grid.

With congress considering a change to the way road fees (gas sales taxes)are collected, mileage driven will be a better usage charge than a gas tax. With lighter cars, hopefully our infrastructure will last longer. We all know our highway infrastructure is overdue for repairs. Gas won't go away, but should and can be significantly reduced. I know the American spirit and ingenuity can and will drive us to a better economy and life.