U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar cells fuel debate about green jobs - A simmering trade dispute is highlighting a debate about the kinds of jobs America can sustain in a greening economy.

Paragraph 11 addresses the cost of solar PV installation on residences.  In it, the typical cost figure is given as $25,000 for a rooftop array.  It then mentions that with local, state and federal rebates and tax incentives, the cost drops to $13,000.  Where did the other $12,000 come from?  It comes from other taxpayers.  Local, state, and federal governments do not have any money that does not come from taxpayers.

Then there is the issue of payments for reverse power flow.  One of the primary money savings is the result of solar PV sending power into the grid during high production periods around midday, ie net metering.  In effect, the solar PV owner is using the utility distribution and transmission system free of charge--not only is he not paying energy charges, he is not paying for the infrastructure that brings the power away from his solar array.

One other comment of note:  According to a study done by an economist at King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain, that country lost 2.2 jobs in other industries for every 1 green job gained as a result of Spain's heavy bet on the "green economy".  Each green job cost Spain roughly $780,000.  Do we really think we will be any different?