Clean-Tech Industry Facing Lean Times After Solyndra
Three years ago, venture capitalists were pouring billions of dollars into technologies like solar power, wind power, biofuels and fuel cells. The federal government followed, directing some $44.5 billion into clean technology from late 2009 to late 2011 through loans, subsidies and tax incentives.
But now the clean-tech industry is facing leaner times, in part because of cheaper natural gas prices, the effects of the financial crisis and China's growing solar industry.
On Thursday's Fresh Air 's February issue, explains how and why the clean-tech industry boom hit a wall.
That wasn't supposed to happen, she says. In 2008, venture capitalists invested more than $4 billion in clean energies like solar and wind power, according to the National Venture Capital Association. But then the natural gas boom helped decrease natural gas prices, lowering the incentive to switch to renewable energies. At the same time, the price of silicon — an important component in both semiconductors and solar panels — dropped after China heavily entered the market. This, too, made alternative energy sources less desirable.
Those affected included the now-bankrupt solar energy company Solyndra. Solyndra's initial goal, says Eilperin, was to develop a solar panel that didn't rely on silicon — a business plan developed at a time when the price of silicon was skyrocketing.
"People thought, 'We've got to come up with an alternative source of solar energy; we have to figure out another way that's not reliant on silicon in order to make a price,' " Eilperin tells Fresh Air 's Terry Gross. "That's when you saw entrepreneurs like Chris Gronet, the engineer behind Solyndra, look for a very different model in order to move away from [silicon], what had been the rock of the solar industry in this country for several decades."
The Financial Collapse
But just as Solyndra was taking off, the financial industry collapsed and venture capitalists began looking elsewhere with their investments.
Putting A Lean On A House - News
Although Orange County has shifted Democratic by voter registration during the last decade, it has sent a Republican-heavy delegation to Tallahassee for years, highlighted by current House Speaker Dean Cannon, past Speaker Dan Webster and Senate
"That said, there's no question that the White House put pressure on the Office of Management and Budget as well as the Department of Energy to push this loan through quickly, and they did ignore some of the advice. Whether the connections can be
Although Orange County has shifted Democratic by registration during the last decade, it has long sent a Republican-heavy delegation to Tallahassee for years, highlighted by current House Speaker Dean Cannon, past Speaker Dan Webster and Senate
Administrators say that is putting pressure on already lean budgets. “I could fire every administrator I have and I can't come up with $15 million,” said Clif Smart, the interim president of Missouri State University. Missouri State could lose around
Even in lean times, he wants a 2.5 percent raise for state employees. That's nice, but many people in the private sector have been dealing with recession with no raises for three or more years, as well as the prospect their own jobs might be eliminated
Online Property Management : Property Management
Property Management answers:My rent is $1200 for a two-bedroom in Brooklyn (nice part, water included). I don’t know how the market is right now, but if you’re really set on Manhattan the Financial District is the most affordable part. Consider the outer boroughs, too. More affordable.
Honestly, I went apartment-hunting a few months ago, and there are affordable places out there – you just need to be patient, and really, really nice to your real estate agent.
Rental Business: Toilet Overflow and Property Manager Responsibility?Hi All,
A tenant in upper unit of a plex flushed the toilet and then left the apartment to go out, but did not notice that the toilet had overflowed. As a result water leaked all the way down to the main floor unit where tenant called to say water leaking from ceiling
The property manager sent his handyman (but not plumber) and updated “Toilet and plumbing was all checked and no leaks found.”
My understanding is that this can happen either when the drain is clogged, which does not allow water and sewage to flush properly (may require a plumber), or floater is set to allow too much water to enter the tank before and after flushing.
There was an inspection done by PM couple weeks ago: WAS THIS ISSUE SUPPOSED TO BE DETECTED THEN AND PREVENTED?
Also, what is a property manager supposed to do in this case:
- For example, do you send a letter to the tenant? Landlord/Termite issue at our office?
We found termites in our office, the bug man said not much damage has been done, and they probably came in thru a crack in the foundation. Landlord/ Property Manager said it was our responsibility….the lease doesn’t mention termites, just structural vs. interior….am I responsible for paying for treatment and prevention?