3 ms·

> it hadn't operated at a profit in over 2 years (I believe) And how much of that is a direct result of the fact they are competing against Chinese-made panels

by tw04 9y ago

> it hadn't operated at a profit in over 2 years (I believe) And how much of that is a direct result of the fact they are competing against Chinese-made panels that are directly funded by the Chinese government? There is literally no way you can have a discussion about ANY renewable energy without it being political. Either the US is going to protect US industry from Chinese goods being sold below-cost, or we're going to have to do the same thing to compete.

JohnStudio 9y ago
I don't dispute that point - however, investment in a company that can't turn a profit by a magnitude of $750 million of our tax dollars and area doesn't seem to be a wise use of dollars. That's really my overarching concern. There's no real benefit to the local economy, so why do it? That's my business mind, not my political mind on what's good or not for the environment. In the end it's tax dollars (rather high at that) that I'm putting directly into these incentives .. asking for some better investment is all.
- GiorgioG 9y ago
  > There's no real benefit to the local economy, so why do it? You're assuming the politicians have the area's best interest at heart. Start by thinking - what's in it for them? Good press for bringing in a nationally recognized brand to the area. Maybe campaign contributions from said company. Maybe you get thrown some more campaign contributions from the construction companies that get work out of the deal.
- zardo 9y ago
  The reality is, the companies have all the cards in these deals. They have more information, better information processing, and critically, they have options. Keep in mind the opportunity cost for these deals. Cut the company a tax break, or continue to not collect taxes on a vacant lot. If Buffalo actually brought cash to the table... that was quite a gamble.
- deleted 9y ago
  [deleted]
- methodin 9y ago
  What does profitability have to do with an investment to bring a company to a region? I've never heard of a profit-sharing agreement between a company and city/local government.
- m3kw9 9y ago
  Or you can say there are many way worse investments. This is actually a company that demonstrate they can make things work and have a record for deliveries

by tw04 9y ago

JohnStudio 9y ago

I don't dispute that point - however, investment in a company that can't turn a profit by a magnitude of $750 million of our tax dollars and area doesn't seem to be a wise use of dollars. That's really my overarching concern. There's no real benefit to the local economy, so why do it? That's my business mind, not my political mind on what's good or not for the environment. In the end it's tax dollars (rather high at that) that I'm putting directly into these incentives .. asking for some better investment is all.

GiorgioG 9y ago
> There's no real benefit to the local economy, so why do it? You're assuming the politicians have the area's best interest at heart. Start by thinking - what's in it for them? Good press for bringing in a nationally recognized brand to the area. Maybe campaign contributions from said company. Maybe you get thrown some more campaign contributions from the construction companies that get work out of the deal.
zardo 9y ago
The reality is, the companies have all the cards in these deals. They have more information, better information processing, and critically, they have options. Keep in mind the opportunity cost for these deals. Cut the company a tax break, or continue to not collect taxes on a vacant lot. If Buffalo actually brought cash to the table... that was quite a gamble.
deleted 9y ago
[deleted]
methodin 9y ago
What does profitability have to do with an investment to bring a company to a region? I've never heard of a profit-sharing agreement between a company and city/local government.
m3kw9 9y ago
Or you can say there are many way worse investments. This is actually a company that demonstrate they can make things work and have a record for deliveries