News & Press

Borrego Solar executive on government's role in solar industry

New England Cable News (NECN)

September 28, 2011

(NECN) - The Obama administration has approved loan guarantees for two solar energy projects. The loans are worth more than one billion dollars. The projects are in Nevada and Arizona.

The loans were approved under the same program that approved a loan to Solyndra, the now controversial solar panel maker that recently went bankrupt.

The loans are being made two days before the program expires.

The program has become a flashpoint for republican critics of the Obama administration's green energy program.

Should government be helping the solar industry? Are the risks and costs worth it?

One viewpoint is from someone in the solar industry.

Dan Berwick is Director of Policy and Business Development at Borrego Solar, a large solar installation company in California that has offices in Boston, as well.

This is a hot topic right now in the industry and in politics, and Berwick gives us his opinion on whether or not the government should be helping, and, if so, why.

"Not surprisingly, yes," said Berwick. "I think everyone agrees that there's a public interest in having electricity coming from a diverse set of sources. Renewable energy is something we all hope there's going to be more of over the next five, 10, 20 and 50 years.

"There's a role for government in transition. I think the Solyndra story has created the impression that the solar industry in the US is on the ropes," Berwick said, "and nothing could be further from the truth."

TO WATCH THE ENTIRE 6 MINS. INTERVIEW, USE THE LINK BELOW TO VISIT THE NECN WEBSITE

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