For some conservatives, solar is a big green boondoggle promoted by a liberal president to benefit rich environmentalists.

But for a growing number of libertarians and conservatives, solar is seen as a tool for promoting competition in electricity markets and empowering consumers.

In this week’s podcast, we’ll talk with Debbie Dooley, founder of the Green Tea Coalition and Conservatives for Energy Choice, about why tea partyers are rallying behind solar PV as a way to expand personal freedoms.

Then, we’ll discuss a new report concluding that Europe overpaid $100 billion for its renewable energy capacity. And we’ll wrap up the show with a look at a secret automated car-sharing service from Google that is reportedly designed to rival Uber.

This podcast is sponsored by Kaco New Energy, a leading manufacturer of solar PV inverters for every size and module type.

The Energy Gang is produced by Greentechmedia.com. The show features weekly discussions between energy futurist Jigar Shah, energy policy expert Katherine Hamilton and Greentech Media Editor Stephen Lacey.