Business

Former Green Energy ‘Poster Boy’ Faces Ruin Because of Obama Admin Penalties

Bill Keith used to be a “green” energy poster boy for the Obama administration. As an innovative entrepreneur promoting clean energy, it would make sense for this White House to back him up, right?

Right.

Well, that was then, this is know. Despite being a “solar superstar,” Keith can’t get the White House to even return his calls.

Considering that he hasn’t taken a penny of government money and that his solar powered fans are primarily manufactured here in the states, you’d think the White House would reach out or, at the very least, respond to his requests. Instead, because he uses Chinese-made solar panels on his fans, he faces massive penalties — penalties that come from the same administration that earlier touted his invention — that threaten to ruin his entire business.

See Kieth’s story here [via CNN]:

CNN reports more:

SunRise Solar started exporting fans all over the world. While his home-based business employs only about 21 direct and indirect employees, it brought a much-needed economic boost to an area of the country hard hit by the recession.

Today, Keith’s solar star appears to be on a collision course with another Obama policy that may put him out of business. The irony is not lost on Keith: A man whose profile and company soared because of the administration’s energy policy is now falling apart because of a new Obama anti-dumping policy involving China.

While 95 percent of Keith’s fans are American-made, he has yet to find a U.S. company that can make the small customized solar panels that make his fans run. It’s not that he hasn’t tried. He initially used a company in Michigan but they stopped manufacturing the kind of panels he needed. Then Keith turned to a New York company but the quality was so bad that he was replacing the defective parts faster than he could sell the fans.

Click here to read the rest of the report.

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

(H/T: WFB). Front page photo courtesy whitehouse.gov.

Comments (116)

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  • RANGER1965
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:16am

    When products compete in a free market, the best product, the best service, the best business plan rises to the top.

    It’s only when goverments interfere in this competitive process, that the system begins to break down.

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • SavvyCowboy
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:59pm

      This is an example of crony capitalism at its best. Green-weenie Keith must’ve done something to really piss of obummer – it’s amazing he (Keith) is still alive. If we don’t stop obummer, this will be the last free election my beloved country ever sees.

      It’s time to renege on November 6th, 2012!!

      Report Post » SavvyCowboy  
    • JRook
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 2:42pm

      @RANGER1965 That is an incorrect statement and incorrect assumption as it can only exist inside the complete free market model which includes full information and equal trade policies and economic conditions across the entire market. China’s currency manipulation, use of prison labor, patent infringements and unfair trade practices would all have to go away for your statement to be true. As Reagan knew and promoted the US will get stronger if consumers support their country and fellow citizens by buying American. What you will find if you take the time to research specific products is that the reduction in labor costs is not passed on to the consumers, at least not at the same proportion. The exploitation of labor in China and other developing countries is used to boost profits beyond what is justified based on competition and good management.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBurningTruth
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 3:15pm

      @JROOK: Your statement is close to correct. However, the assumptions about full information and inability for anyone to control the market need only apply to the extent of that particular market.

      I once saw a market very close to ideal capitalism in Thailand. I was partipating in a sporting event held on an airbase. At lunch we went out to this group of street vendors for food (we were a rather captive market). The first day they brought what they thought would sell. Being in Thailand they were heavy on chicken thighs and drumsticks while light on breasts (cheaper you know?). Most of the participants being American or West European, the breasts were gone in minutes and the vendors went home with thighs and drumsticks. Similar in other food offerings.

      The next day they had twice the breasts and half the thighs and drumsticks and the price changed to match. I asked for a Sprite and they only had 7-Up. I saw sprite at the next vendor and went there. The next day, the first vendor had sprite as well. They adjusted what they offered and at what price every day as the saw what sold and what didn’t. It was truly amazing to watch.

      They didn’t need the whole world to work that way, not even the city. As long as that market followed the principals of capitalism, it worked.

      Now imagine what an American would do if the offerings at the local store changed in price everyday based on what sold? They’d flipout. We haven’t had capitalism here for over a centur

      Report Post » TheBurningTruth  
    • GO-FOR-LIBERTY
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 3:21pm

      Hey at the BLAZE!!!!! Have you ever heard of spell check or proof reading copy? Try it sometime~~~
      IT WORKS!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Libfreezone
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 5:59pm

      Yes, comrade you are right, but your scenario does not make for good communism.

      Report Post » Libfreezone  
  • Diego Roswell
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:14am

    Sadly. Mr. Keith will no doubt continue to support Obama for reelection and vote for democrats until he dies. The religion of stupid.

    Report Post » Diego Roswell  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:20pm

      I just emailed him to ask who he will vote for. If He responds, I will let you know.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:36pm

      Just like poor whites who get food stamps, yet vote against Democrats because they tired of “freeloaders” getting food stamps.

      Report Post »  
    • RightThinking1
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Vance:
      “Just like poor whites who get food stamps, yet vote against Democrats because they tired of “freeloaders” getting food stamps.”
      I’m not quite certain what your point is, but it implies that poor blacks who vote for Democrats in order to obtain food stamps enjoy some morally superior position. Is that it?
      Perhaps you are simply implying that poor whites are hypocritical for disliking (and perhaps opposing) the dole system, even if it is to their advantage? Presumably poor blacks are NOT hypocritical for supporting a welfare system upon which they feed, but are merely parasitical?
      BTW, I would enjoy just one or two *specific* examples of “poor whites” who have said what you claim they have said.
      Put up, or shut.

      Report Post »  
    • CaptMickeyd
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 2:38pm

      Vance: I enjoy an effective tax rate that is in the negative teens, because of the ridiculous tax code. I will vote for anyone that makes it possible for everyone to pay their fair share, including the bottom 48%, even if it means I lose that cushion and all of my tax credits. Poor whites indeed.

      Report Post » CaptMickeyd  
  • doomytram
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:09am

    Does he support the communist agenda?

    Report Post » doomytram  
  • lembrandt
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:06am

    Lie down with dogs and you wake up with fleas…

    Report Post »  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:04pm

      Exactly my thought except I thought rats–the plague. This should explain to anyone who thinks Obama supports small business that he does not. I do feel sorrow for this guy as that is a great idea bordering on brilliant.

      Report Post »  
    • DarkWolf
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:45pm

      Government has given themselves too much power … and America let them.

      Report Post »  
    • KeithOlberdink
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:54pm

      Perfect anology for this corrupt admin. Chicago thugs, all of them. Al Copone could have only dreamed to have crooks like these on his side.

      Report Post » KeithOlberdink  
  • 2SENSEWORTH
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:04am

    Anybody out there surprised?

    Report Post » 2SENSEWORTH  
  • RIGS
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:02am

    He should have had them run on liberal hot air there is always plenty of that.

    Report Post »  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:17am

      I’m afraid that also must be heavily regulated. Liberal hot air is classified as toxic.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
  • gs425
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:02am

    To Zero he is another useless idiot.

    Report Post » gs425  
    • contkmi
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:14am

      No, he’s a useFUL idiot. He served Obama’s purpose for a season. Now he gets thrown to the dogs.

      Socialists will do that…

      Report Post » contkmi  
    • blackyb
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:22am

      Left him swinging in the wind. His usefulness was over.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • SCREW-WINDOWS
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:06pm

      Same will happen to those dependent on the Government after he gets your vote he will cut them off and demand you bow to the king.

      Report Post » SCREW-WINDOWS  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:02am

    Dance with the devil and the devil doesn’t change…He changes you.

    Join the light side Bill…Renounce your faith in Obama!

    OMG 2012!

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:00am

    “While 95 percent of Keith’s fans are American-made, he has yet to find a U.S. company that can make the small customized solar panels that make his fans run.”

    GE or a bank would make a deal & then pay a Congressman to pass a bill to make what they just did legal. Keith‘s crime was he didn’t have money to buy outright or bribe a Congressman or the president.

    Report Post »  
    • Conservative2
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:32pm

      It‘s too bad he didn’t bid on one of those solar companies the just went under, then he could of made his own panel to power his attic fans.

      The Product he makes is very useful and valuable to most home owners in the USA, especially after this past 100 degree plus summer heat wave. The savings to the home owner could be realized immediately in cost of electric for Air conditioning use. Over half the costs for Air conditioning is the cycle on and off from the heat build up in the attic, filtering down into the home.

      Report Post » Conservative2  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 9:13pm

      I’ll keep that seriously in mind.

      Report Post »  
    • mamapajamas
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:15am

      Or maybe he should redesign his fans to accept power from a more standard model of solar panel. It if‘s a matter of the panel’s power output, he could use two (if more power is required) or one (if less power is required) and add features to the fan, such as automatic shutoff, etc.

      Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:00am

    The term “Silver Bullet” has now been changed to “Green Bullet” and it is pointed at all of our heads.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • woodyee
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:59am

    That’s a pretty good product – if the glass holds up to wear from wind, rain, birds. Look at the demo of his product. My neighbor installed one a couple of years ago. It looks good and runs great.

    I’m going shopping for one.

    Report Post » woodyee  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:57am

    And how come no one is yacking it up about Obama dismantling the BPA? Stations have been shut down…there is a serious withdraw from the border. Hours and OT have been cut back. A RIF is coming.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:05am

      Please tell us what BPA is. If I use an acronym finder it will take my a long time to make it fit the ‘facts” you list.

      I don’t doubt you, but please list a link to a story too. Established newspapers are better than blogs although it depends on the blogs & media company we are talking about

      - BPA Systems, a supply chain management software and services company based in Austin, Texas
      - BPA Worldwide, an organization that audits circulation figures for mass media
      - Blue Panorama Airlines, ICAO code.
      - Bush Pilot Airways (a.k.a. Air Queensland), a former Australian airline
      - Business Professionals of America, a career and technical student organization that is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:09am

      I assume stations means gas stations. BPA. British Petroleum of America? It took me a while because the news media & most of us just say BP.

      Of course Putin messed with BP in Russian. Why shouldn’t Obama mess with BP. After all he hates everything British. The British have been with us form WWI, WW2, Korea, Gulf War, Iraq & Afghanistan. They were with us during the Cold War.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:10am

      What is Obama doing to BPA? I assume Obama finds it an easy target to demonize after the Gulf Oil spill.

      Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:55am

    Unions caused the coos that do the mfg to move to a cheaper labor base…we don’t make much of anything…check you tags on your cloths, check “Made By” stamps on everything you have…

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:55am

    I prefer to simply plug my fan in……………and set the a/c at 72

    Report Post »  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:53am

    The interesting thing (that will work for the cause of good) about Americans is that most Americans don’t think something particularly bad will happen to themselves. Progressives created the gutter that makes almost all Americans think something won’t happen to themselves. It’s funny because Progressives will short-circuit going nuts, or will fade away long before they make most Americans think something could happen to them. Lol!

    Report Post »  
    • watersRpeople
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:15am

      And surely as the world goes over the societal and financial cliff – most people will not blame themselves instead choosing to don a very thick coat, but several billion people will blame Progressives.

      Report Post »  
  • Jeepzea
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:53am

    Does “useful idiot” ring a bell?

    Report Post » Jeepzea  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:52am

    Get the message, people. It‘s Obama’s goal to bring America down. Go to Youtube and watch the trailer for “2016:Obama’s America.” I can’t wait to get the movie.

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • RodT82721
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:50am

    Ah more results of government subsidized solar panel manufacturers, failures all.

    Solar is very big in agriculture, in fact you might say, without solar there wouldn’t be any agriculture, or life on the planet. Now to quote VP Joe, “that’s a big f…ing deal”.
    But that’s not good enough for those that bill themself as savers of the planet.

    Every time any government gets involved in anything, it’s a failure in the long run. Doesn’t matter the country or the policy. It will fail. (Take a look at Greece!)
    Forcing others to pay for free stuff, will eventually fail. This young man thought he had a winner, using China’s subsidized (cheap) solar panels to power his fans. If solar panels were cost effective, they wouldn’t need to be subsidized by anyone.

    Just proves once again there really isn’t anything like a “free” lunch.

    Report Post »  
  • Zipit
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:48am

    BUNDLE UP BUDDY! You gotta pay (MORE) to play! So, donate some more $$$ to these idiots and their campaign and you’ll be let “back in the club”!

    Report Post »  
  • prhdr
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:47am

    All together now. O B A M A, O B A M A, O B A M A!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:45am

    That Obama bus is a lot more fun to ride in than get run over by, isn’t it Bill?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:58am

      GONZO, That has got to be the best analogy of the day. The 0bama administration used this guy up like a tube of toothpaste, then disposed of him.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • gs425
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:04am

      You mean the CANADIAN made bus?

      Report Post » gs425  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:40pm

      @Gonzo

      I’m not sure what all you Cons are mad about. A businessman might go out of business, which Cons see as a bad thing…but wait, he’s a “green energy” guy, which Cons like to see fail (see: Solyndra). He’s going out of business because of an Obama policy, a point I know Cons want to take advantage of…but the policy was put in place to “get tough” with China, which is exactly what Cons have derided Obama for not doing. I’m confused.

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 12:59pm

      @ vanceuppercut
      Yes. Yes, you are confused. I’m a “Con” to use your terminology. I take no delight in seeing a “green” company fail — I hope they all do well IN A FREE AND FAIR “GAME”. Do I experience schadenfreude to the max as regards Solyndra, etc? Yup — because it shows that crony capitalism fails.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:20pm

      Vance, How about getting tough on the unionized labor in New York that was manufacturing such poor quality solar panels that Keith had to go to China for them? Oops can’t do that, they’re funding his campaign!

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • RightThinking1
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 2:01pm

      Vance:
      You miss the point, or perhaps simply dodge the issue.
      It isn’t because a business is/was “green” that conservatives crow when they go down the tubes, it is because the businesses never were viable businesses, and were uselessly squandering taxpayer dollars at time of maniacal runaway deficit spending.
      SunRise Solar may not have have taken any Federal dollars directly, but you can bet every single purchaser took advantage of tax credits. In fact, on their web page Sunrise trumpets “30% Tax Credit!”
      The ugly fact is, NO solar or “alternative” energy source can compete with conventional sources. Take away the ideologically-driven, money-squandering/laudering subsidies, and all of the so-called “businesses” would fold tomorrow.

      Report Post »  
    • team1blazer
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 9:12am

      @ rightthinking1, hold on there buddy; first, some solar solutions are cost effective (primarily small usage, simple mechanism, like solar powered ventilators and solar lights). Vance is wrong about the whole fiasco, because he fails to see the connection between cronie capitalism and the current government….not just obozo, but the whole stinking lot of fools in DC

      Report Post » team1blazer  
  • Snaker
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:45am

    Typical….
    Government….
    Meddling…..

    Report Post »  
  • jackact
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:44am

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ….. Green Energy….. Ha ha ha ha ha ……stick a fork in it.
    It’s done!
    Ha ha ha ha….
    :)

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:24am

      The government does not have to promote saving energy. All you really need is a spouse, who wants to redirect cost savings from conservations or energy efficient appliances to better vacation, saving for education, saving for retirement & other domestic issue.

      All a person really needs is to pick up a Popular mechanics, a Better Homes & Garden and read articles on good ideals to save money. Or talking to their neighbor about how they saved money (see Woodyee comment below).

      Instead we get the government yanking our chain so often a person can’t get their bearings. We are constantly saying “Mother May I” asking if we can do anything beside watch porn after the government gives us free condoms. Pretty Soon It won’t be mother May I it will be they say jump & we ask how high.

      They took health care almost totally out of our hands. They have most of the money for education. So much so that if they were a little more corrupt they decide who goes or does not go to College.
      It is very expensive & they are the moneyman for college. After they fit you into a green vehicle or mass transit, a green abode & deal with retirement what will you decide for yourself?

      ***
      woodyee

      That’s a pretty good product – if the glass holds up to wear from wind, rain, birds. Look at the demo of his product. My neighbor installed one a couple of years ago. It looks good and runs great.

      I’m going shopping for one.

      Report Post »  
  • The Jewish Avenger
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:44am

    What is the name of the New York company that sells the crappy solar cells?!!!

    UGH…

    How can one shop for the best product if the ones that stink are always mentioned in vagueness?

    Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • Bill_Keith
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 11:06am

      Sorry about that…..didn’t want to throw the NY company under the bus because they were doing their best to make a good panel for me. After all the failures they stopped trying to make small custom panels. Otherwise they are good guys…..if you want the name please email me: bill@sunrisesolar.net

      Report Post »  
  • ElChupaCabraDeUSA
    Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:42am

    Perhaps he didn’t bundle enough campaign money for President Quid Pro Quo. Here is the a la cart menu from the White House:
    $100K in Campaign Contributions gets you $500mil in tax payer money
    $500K in Campaign Contributions gets you $1Bil in Tax payer money
    ALL other quid pro quos are negotiable

    Report Post » ElChupaCabraDeUSA  
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