Can the U.S. Create Its Own German-Style Energy Revolution?

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-23/can-the-u-s-create-its-own-german-style-energy-revolution-.html


An oil pump in the Sonoran Desert, U.S. Photographer: Getty Images

InsideClimateNews.org (Phoenix, Arizona) -- From a block away, the house was hardly visible, hidden by a dense stand of native mesquite and palo verde trees and tall clumps of prickly pear cactus. Close up, you could see the concrete block structure, built a half century ago when acres of citrus groves were broken into parcels and replaced by homes.

Turning the site back into desert took some work, Brock Tunnicliff explained, standing outside his house on a typical September morning in the Sonoran desert, temperatures in the mid-80s under a nearly cloudless sky. It also took some courage, because desert landscaping isn't popular in Phoenix. Most people here still prefer a lawn out front and a swimming pool in the back.

For Tunnicliff, who works in natural resource management, adopting native landscape was a logical choice in a desert climate. Bolted to his roof was another rational choice: a solar photovoltaic system that supplies most of his family's electricity needs. He installed the system even though he estimates it will take 12 years to break even on the investment.

"That is the future of energy," he said, pointing to the dark blue panels on his roof.

[Demeter]

1. Of course we CAN

The question is, are we going to overthrow the Corporations, and do it?

Because until the Corporations are either neutered or dismantled (their choice) we can't do much of anything...

[xchrom]

2. +1

[wtmusic]

3. Absolutely! The German desert is filled with solar panels

and the Sonoran desert is filled with power from the country's largest nuclear power plant.

Osha Gray Davidson has come unhinged.

[Bigmack]

4. When we were in Germany this spring

we were absolutely STUNNED by the number of solar panels we saw on roofs EVERYWHERE. Driving thru the countryside, they were on barns, sheds, houses, and in the towns we visited, they were on the roofs of old and new houses. It was VERY impressive. Why they aren't REQUIRED by the building codes at least down here in the desert in southern California, I will NEVER understand. I mean the parts of Germany we were in were NOT desert areas!!!!!! Ms Bigmack

[CRH]

5. Could if they would, but they won't. ...

Sorry, but the energy future of the US., has already been purchased, solar and wind did not have enough lobbyists, with enough promises of future donation.