Business leaders urge solar power support

The wide deployment of solar power across the nation hinges on federal policies that mandate renewable power and government spending to promote the technology, utilities and manufacturers told Congress Thursday.

“America’s ability to develop thriving domestic renewable solar power depends on this,” said Stephanie Burns, the CEO of Midland, Mich.-based Dow Corning, which produces the polycrystalline silicon that is a component of solar panels.

Executives from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and San Francisco-based NextLight Renewable Power joined Burns in urging the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming to promote solar power with federal tax incentives, spending and policy.

SF Chronicle