We're thrilled. This reverses a trend of decreases in (research and development). It shows that solar plays an important role in our energy mix.

(Utilities) are negligent to their ratepayers if they are not considering building a concentrating solar plant in the next five years.

The establishment of these tax credits signifies that Congress recognizes solar as an important source of energy that belongs as a part of our national energy portfolio. And along the way, SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) developed new; powerful supporters of solar who will help us continue to expand solar energy markets in the years to come.

California will be a leader in the next great high-tech growth industry - solar energy. This long-term, visionary policy will save ratepayers money, create high-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

In 2005, we saw a tripling of venture capital money going into the solar industry compared to 2004.

I applaud DARPA for recognizing the tremendous potential of solar energy to provide reliable electricity to our troops in the field and to improve our energy security here at home.