With so much talk about environmental responsibility, there is a recession in progress. As such, there is the question if it is true growth in renewable energy is declining? Private industry is usually the driving force behind the generation of a new technology, but at this point it is woefully absent. So, is growth in renewable energy declining?

The answer is a somewhat frustrating, ?maybe.? While private industry is not nearly as gung-ho over the idea of gambling large chunks of operating capital on new forms of technology which may or may not catch on, governmental intervention has worked hard to sweeten the deal. When faced with the question ?is growth in renewable energy declining,? various governmental entities are quick to point out because of various incentive programs, it is actually taking off.

Who is right? Depending on your perspective, you may be tempted to believe the federal government. The incentive programs are indeed tempting for private companies with some liquid assets at their disposal, and it stands to reason that any company which can carve out a niche early on in this business is sure to be prosperous in the long run.

In the short term, however, there are cash strapped consumers to consider. It is the customer without the needed money for home improvements that might throw a monkey wrench into the machinations over renewable energy. If there is nobody to purchase the technology, then no government incentive program can sustain the industry that goes out on a limb to provide it to unqualified customers.