Why doesn't the government make it easier/cheaper to use renewable energy in the home?

Question

such as more subsidies for wind and solar energy systems installed ateach home

Answer 1

b/c those subsidies will come out of my taxes, and I do not want them spent in this way.

but do not worry, in 50 years fossil fuels will get so expensive that renewable energy will be cheaper to use.

Answer 2

The first answer that replied is right. The world hit it's peak of oil production last year and unless large oil fields are found soon over the next few years oil production will start going into a sharp, expensive decline making renewables a cheaper, viable option. Though we can always liquefy coal for a few years I suppose...

Renewable energy sources don't really provide enough power yet and probably never will for the lifestyles we live today. It's not the government it's us that have to make the changes. We have to live more energy efficient lives and in the future the human population will have to decrease in order for the earth to sustain human life. Over the past 200 years we've used up most of the worlds natural, non renewable resources, fossil fuels, elements etc... the government will never make it cheaper to use renewables until they absolutely have to and then it will probably be too little too late.

Answer 3

Because the oil and coal (and natural gas) companies have this president in their pocket.

Not to mention a lot of members of Congress. They know that a real push for efficient energy use (eg, fuel efficient cars and homes) would help the average person--and that solar power is already competitive. But it will cut into their profits. Can't have that--poor Exxon is having to make do with a mere $10 billion a qquarter in profits as it is.

Answer 4

Wow, what a funny bunch of replies. To some the government is both the "evil money grubbing system," yet also should be responsible for taking care of every problem known to man. You see the irony? "Please help us big evil politicians, we can't do it without you!"

The simple answer is, it's not the responsibility of the government to subsidize us for every thing we do to help clean up the environment. They already have huge tax breaks for those who buy tank less water heaters and other energy saving devices for the home.

Once it becomes profitable for private industry to sell cleaner fuels (meaning, once we the public demand it) then you'll be able to buy it at a cheaper price. Until then, do like someone above said and pay more to use cleaner energy...or don't - it's up to you.

Answer 5

funny that you asked. I tried signing up for the renewable energy in my area.There stilled booked a year later! My neighbor has a huge solar panel. they have all this space here, will could be using for wind turbines.

That reminds me, I saw a project at AZ college like 6 yrs ago.They all made solar panels. They should sell them. After they graduate they should open up there business to the general public. We need solar panels.

That just reminded be of something. WV is a very poor state. There little signs have solar panels on them.

Answer 6

How much higher do you want your taxes to be? How much did you pay in state and federal income taxes last year? How much in property taxes did you pay? How many gallons of gasoline do you use per year with an average of about 40 cents per gallon in state/federal taxes? How much is the sales tax in your state? Is there a real estate transfer tax in your community, if so how much? Are the schools where you live bitching for more money?

Finally, just how often do you think you can go back to the well before it dries up?

Answer 7

Because big business won't let them. It's just the same in the car industry. We've been using basically the same engine since 1900 because car manufacturers have too much to lose. However, I think you may find that although the initial outlay for things like solar panels and wind turbines are expensive, they eventually pay for themselves.

Answer 8

nicely oil is reachable and continues to be in abundance, we've a sparkling grant with Iraq and oil & coal, we must have oil to make the picture voltaic panels and wind turbines favor countless area, they understand how a lot oil we've and what number we may be able to flow, will they let us know no

Answer 9

Because they haven't yet figured out an effective way to tax it.

Besides if every home had a windfarm the country would look a right dogs dinner, i dont want my view spoiling by bloody windmills everywhere.

Answer 10

Because then they won`t get as many kickbacks from the power merchants! Sadly, money will always trump the environment in most governments in the world.