There are private companies doing research. There are companies in both MA and CA selling photovoltaic solar collectors. They have been expensive up to this point, but the sale of their more expsnsive products is providing the money to continue the research to make it more affordable with each successive generation of collectors. As with many new technologies, the government is on the leading edge, but as it becomes feasible, private companies will come in and carry it through. I think this is a good use of government money; look at all the everyday technology that has come from the space program.
They are doing research to stay competitive and sell more product.
It has nothing to do with saving money. This is the point that you are missing. Banks are not in business to loan money, they are in business to make a profit just like these companies.
the government is on the leading edge
Because they have an unlimited budget. You give me an unlimited budget and I will move mountains and possibly for no reason just like the government does.
I think this is a good use of government money
I just checked the remittance advice on my last paycheck. That ain't the governments money it is taxpayer money. The government has no money.