Solar stunner: U.S. exports almost $2 billion of solar products

Cross-posted from Climate Progress.

With all the stories about China dominating the solar photovoltaics (PV) manufacturing sector, you might not think that America is a net exporter of solar products. But it is -- to the tune of $1.8 billion. That's a $1 billion increase over net exports documented in the solar sector last year.

In fact, a report released this morning from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) found that the U.S. has a $247 million trade surplus with China.

U.S. imports in 2010 were estimated at $1.4 billion, while exports were estimated to be between $1.7 billion [and] $2.0 billion based on the availability of data for capital equipment sales. This made the U.S. a net exporter of solar goods to China by $247 million to $539 million. Imports came predominantly from modules ($1.2 billion), while exports were driven by capital equipment ($708 million to $1 billion) and polysilicon ($873 million).

Solar isn't just about the module. When looking at polysilicon production, equipment for manufacturing lines, power electronics, solar hot water tanks, and any number of other domestically produced products, the U.S. actually offers a good-sized contribution to the global market.

The 2011 Solar Energy Trade Assessment is a follow up from last year's report, which found U.S. net exports in 2009 were worth $723 million.

The $1 billion surge in net exports came during a year when the U.S. solar market grew by over 100 percent. Due to the successful Treasury Grant Program and Loan Guarantee Program that made it easier for developers and manufacturers to finance facilities, the solar sector grew faster than ever before.

And all that solar -- particularly solar PV -- brings immense value to the domestic economy.

According to the trade assessment report, around 73 percent of the value of an installed solar system (equipment, labor, site management) is created domestically. When looking at the total solar-sector contribution to the economy, solar PV represents about 82 percent of the domestic value, with concentrating solar power and solar heating and cooling representing about 9 percent a piece.

And these calculations don't even consider the potential value to the electricity system. A report [PDF] released in June by three solar researchers found that solar PV offers 15 to 40 cents per kilowatt-hour in added "value" due to its ability to match peak demand, reduce the need to build expensive transmission lines, and provide local environmental benefits.

But whether or not policymakers will recognize these tangible benefits is very uncertain. With basic support mechanisms like the Treasury Grant and Loan Guarantee programs set to expire, and the House set to slash funding for various energy programs, America's solar trade surplus could close quickly.

The findings of today's GTM Research/SEIA report may surprise a lot of people, especially those who have focused on the Evergreen Solar bankruptcy story or the uncertain fate of thin-film manufacturer Solyndra as reasons not to invest in solar. In reality, solar is a very diverse sector -- the $5.6 billion in equipment exports from the U.S. is an important reminder of that diversity and economic potential.

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A Law Degree Is A Great Graduate Degree For Almost Any Undergrad Major

Law degrees are for undergraduate students interested in learning about jurisdiction and the practice of law. Because the programs are not for research degrees (like PhDs) but are rather pursuant to a professional doctorate, in this case of law, these degrees do not require dissertations to complete.

Prior law courses or undergrad degree focuses are not necessary for program enrollment; anyone with a Bachelor's degree can apply. In addition to having an existing Bachelor's degree, law degree seekers will need to pass an entrance exam to be accepted. In this United States, this exam is called the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Students may also be asked to have letters of recommendation and either a resume or college portfolio.

The first professional degree in law that can earned is the Juris Doctor (J.D.). This degree is a graduate degree, and while holds similar distinction colloquially and even professionally to other graduate degrees, it is quite distinguished from other pursuits in many ways.

The Juris Doctor degree is a degree required by the United States in order to obtain law-practice licensing. Although required to practice law, it does not give permission to do so. Law degrees in the United States fall to the states' jurisdictions. Each state has its own Bar exam that law degree graduates must pass in order to practice law in that state.

Another way the J.D. degree differs from other doctorate degrees is its program length. Unlike many PhD and other graduate degree programs that take four to eight years to complete, the J.D. is designed to be completed within three years of full time study. In some cases, however, these degrees supplement or are combined with a Master's degree program in a specific law sect, and if this is the case, coursework can take longer than the standard three years.

The first year of law study involves law education about international, family, and tax courts. This part of law education concentrates on teaching students about case methodology. The student will also take elective courses that he or she can use to begin molding his or her area of focus. There are many law degree concentrations available including criminal litigation, civil litigation, corporate law, public law, and more.

Once you've established your individualized degree "path," you'll be directed to take general courses to give you an overview of the study of law. Unlike many college settings where the student is entitled to choose his coursework, in many law schools, degree seekers are issued schedules from the institution. Course requirements vary by institution and student objectives, but usually include the same realm of curriculum, including classes like property, legal research, and legal writing.

Third year law or 3L students as they're sometimes called, get the opportunity to take evidence, trial practice, and legal clinics before graduating with their law degrees. The Juris Doctor is where most law degree students end their college careers, but in some instances, they go on to seek an LL.M, or Master's of Law, and in even rarer cases, the Doctor of Law. Those interested in the above degrees, can also enroll in an online master program for law. Regardless of the stopping point, law programs produce the next breed of citizens to ensure that justice is served.

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