Solar advocates strengthen push for ITC extension, standalone storage credit

The U.S. solar and storage industry and its allies are ramping up a push for Congress to pass a reconciliation bill with historic clean energy deployment and manufacturing provisions. Over 400 solar and storage companies sent a letter to congressional leaders today urging them to pass the legislation as hundreds of clean energy advocates make calls to offices on Capitol Hill.

These activities are part of an industry-wide day of action that emphasizes the massive clean energy and economic win Washington lawmakers can deliver to voters.

“The message from hundreds of solar and storage companies and advocates today is simple: Congress needs to get this done,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “This is a once-in-a-generation window for leaders in Washington to deliver on their promise to tackle climate change, create clean energy jobs and ease the tight grip of inflation and the global energy crisis.”

The coalition of clean energy businesses, workers, trade groups and advocates are rallying support for a comprehensive suite of policies, including a long-term extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and a standalone credit for energy storage. The ITC is a proven job-creator that is capable of sparking historic levels of solar and storage deployment and is a necessary policy tool to drive growth at the pace required to tackle climate change.

Incentives for domestic clean energy manufacturing, namely Sen. Jon Ossoff’s Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA), are a crucial element of the reconciliation package. With near-term trade certainty in place thanks to President Biden’s solar tariff pause, Congress has an opportunity to enact effective industrial policy for clean energy manufacturing. SEMA is the right vehicle to achieve this vision, and a long-term ITC extension will ensure the demand is there for new production.

“The time for rhetoric is over, and the only thing left is to cut a deal,” added Hopper. “The solar and storage industry is motivated, mobilized, and ready to make our clean energy future a reality if Congress acts. It’s time.”

Read the company letter to Congress and learn more about the solar and storage industry’s advocacy for an #AmericanEnergyDeal.

News item from SEIA

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/07/solar-advocates-strengthen-push-for-itc-extension-standalone-storage-credit/