Solar Energy Global Politics

Well, where can I start...
Solar Cell manufactuing is being increasingly dominated by its traditionally strong markets of Japan and Germany because not long ago the governments of these countries poured heaps of money into stabilising the subsidies for these markets. It seems now with these markets are well supported and leading the way. Recently some more countries have started these subsidy programs for solar energy like Spain, Croatia and Korea. So future growth in these countries is expected if they follow the same trajectory that Germany and Japan have. It seems now that in Germany and Japan, Solar Energy installations on grid connected homes and buildings is becoming mainstream. Recent investments into manufacturing in Germany are supported by mainstream venture capitalists including the big banks like Deutche Bank.At this moment in time the demand for solar cells outstrips supply, this is causing phenominal growth in the manufacturing sector. So much so that companies will hire people who know about solar cells from anywhere in the world.
I was lucky enough to study at a world leading research institute in Solar Energy so therefore it was easy for me to get a job overseas in the industry.
Australia has always been good at research. Our history shows this. The institute where I studied is one of the best in the world at research into solar cells. However Australia has never really been a good place to do large scale manufacturing (i.e. what they are good at doing in germany). This happens due to a multitude of reasons, mainly culture. Germans are renowned for their Engineering prowess. Therefore the actual possibility for engineering jobs in Australia for Solar Engineers to 'make' solar cells is very very limited.People always ask the question, why can't a Solar Engineer get a job in Australia? They always seem perplexed? Australia has so much sun. Well the answer is a solar engineer that specialises in some stand alone installations may have the possibility to get a job, however the stand alone market for telecommunications became saturated 20 years ago. The growth areas include building integrated grid connected photovoltaics. However, jobs in these areas are very rare and I estimate the current market is about 2 jobs int he whole of Australia. If the government of Australia was to support some higher cost grid buybacks then they could support the growth of this industry in Australia and that 2 jobs may turn into something more like 1000. Personally I am waiting for this day, however why I am waiting, I must do something and work overseas to get some great experience and when the window of opportunity does grow in Australia i will be one of the first back there.
One reason Australia does not support these subsidised buybacks of photovoltaics like germany has to do with our current governments alliance to the Bush government and not rattifying the Koto protocol. Also Australia has an abundance of Coal supplies. Something to last for another 200 years. So there is no great need to 'innovate' in terms of our energy production compared to countries like Japan where they don't have this luxory. However it seems that a variety of push and pull factors may force Australia to rethink there energy supply solutions within the next 20 years...