The solar companies have gone to Germany because the subsidies are totally distorting the market.  The real cost of doing solar in a significant way is still WAY to high to make any sense large scale.  Of course that might change, but not withour further refinement of the technology. 

Alternative fuels will probably beat solar in the long run, anyway.

I recognize the dilemma in opening up more domestic drilling, but it is my opinion that we may have no choice . . . as opposed to being a lesser of multiple evils.

There may be some other ways out.  There is a potentially large find in North Dakota.  And if oil stays over a $100/barrel, oil shale and gas-to-liquids technology starts to become attractive. 

A hydrogen economy might be 30-50 years away according to some estimates.  Can we bear the cost in the meantime?