Advocates of solar power are arguing that if the federal government stopped subsidizing the oil and gas industry, energy derived from the sun could furnace 15% of America’s power needs within 10 years. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) points out that from 2002-2008, solar companies received less than $1 billion in help from Washington — while fossil fuel suppliers raked in $72 billion in subsidies, based on data compiled by the Environmental Law Institute in its September report. SEIA says it’s time either to roll back corporate welfare for the oil and gas business, or level the playing field by substantially raising subsidies for solar operations.