Solar cells (solar photovoltaic devices) have been around since the 1950s. Back then, because manufacturing processes were less efficient and fewer people used the cells, the costs were astronomical. Improved technology has brought prices down a lot since then and countries such as Japan and Germany have provided subsidies to bring costs down further.
In the last year, the US government has done similarly, issuing cash grants to consumers buying solar panels and more tax credits for the manufacturers of renewable technologies. California was the first US state to kick-start its own solar photovoltaic market by giving consumers tax credits and cash rebates for buying solar electric systems. Other states such as New Jersey and Colorado, have followed suit. Today California has the largest market in the US, followed by New Jersey and Colorado.
I think it´s about time the South African government stepped up to the plate and issued tax breaks to consumers who make the change and switch over to solar power. Southern Africa has the highest average daylight hours per day in the world. South Africa has an average of 8 hours of daylight per day whilst Germany only has 5 hours per day!
Surely we should be capitalising on this comparative advantage? What do you think…?
Nicola
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