Solar Panel firm closes factory and Outsources to China.

The United States, the country that was the leader in green technology over the past few decades is losing its edge In the time of "greener consciousness" the US should be riding the wave of renewable energy sources to move the country forward In the past few years the US has been falling off the wave. China, the country that has outpaced the US as the biggest polluter has been emerging as the one of the biggest exporters green technology. China has taken the lead in the production and installation of wind turbines which harness wind energy. In regards to solar panels it has accounted for over half of the world's production. Its market share in the US has skyrocketed to 23% last year and is increasing fast.

Evergreen Solar the third largest manufacturer in the US has announced its closing its only American plant is now only going to manufacture them in China where it has joined a partnernship and has been getting aid from Chinese institutions. The Chinese produce solar panels more cheaply making it harder for American firms to compete in the US. Evergreen Solar's chief executive, Michael El-Hillow, has alluded that the Chinese government and its state banks are the main reasons for its Chinese ventures. The US does have programs to assist renewable energy firms but is a time consuming process and is very limited. The state of Massachusetts has previously stepped and provided some help but the company had issues with obtaining loans with US banks due to the financial crisis.

The Chinese government has done a lot to encourage foreign investment in the country. It provides subsidies, low interest loans, cheap currency and cheap labor. The US time after time has failed to call China out on these issues which violate trade rules in the World Trade Organization. China has been chipping away at every sector of American manufacturing. The US government is either unable or unwilling to do anything about it as more American jobs become permanently lost. Besides being a an economic issue, it can become a security issue with China replacing the Middle East for its energy needs. A lot more can be discussed with China, especially the fact that we are outsourcing technology that will no longer be able to produced in this country without a heavy cost... NY Times