Renewable Energy / It's price

Topic: January 14

The Guardian recently reported that one of Spain's top sources for electricity in 2013 was windpower (Wind power was Spain's top source of electricity in 2013)

The same week, the New York Times came out with an article that details Spain's withdrawal of support for solar energy--a cut that the Spanish government sees as unavoidable (though it hits small time investors hardest).

Spain’s Solar Pullback Threatens Pocketbooks

The two articles suggest Spain's position as a country pursuing green initiatives at a time of economic crisis. I would like to get your opinion both on Spain as a green country, and the government actions regarding solar power.

What do you think of the government changing its contract and effectively paying less (and even charging) energy producers?  Were these small time investors essentially speculators (who should not have expected the prices to stay in their favor)?  

What are the potential costs of this pullback--how could it harm both the Spanish people and the government? Do they have other options?