Solar ITC extension removed from House spending package

We are sorry to be the bearer of bad news, especially during the holiday season, but the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – which has been set to step down at the end of 2019 – was not extended by Congress. The five-year extension was removed from the House $1.4 trillion spending package. We are deeply disappointed in our elected officials for allowing one of the most effective clean energy tax policies in recent history to lapse (while extending the tax credit for biodiesel through 2022). Click HERE for more on the solar ITC.

This frustrating result comes after a turbulent year, with tariffs on solar panels and friction between the White House and the Solar Energy Industries Association; after SEIA published its report noting the tariffs have caused job losses as well as a loss of private investment, the White House called SEIA a “loose confederation of Chinese solar companies seeking to destroy American solar manufacturing jobs.” Oy.

What makes this situation truly tragic is that the solar ITC has helped to significantly reduce carbon emissions while helping to generate billions in private investment and bolster local economies through solar projects and good-paying jobs.

So what can you do? Here are a few suggestions:

If you have not already, install solar on your home (or business). You will significantly reduce – if not nearly eliminate – your monthly power bill, decrease your carbon footprint, increase the value of your home, and help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. (If you already have solar, please encourage your friends and business associates to do the same!)

Become a member of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA) – it costs just $25 and will help to create sustainability for the solar industry in our state for years to come, while helping to protect and increase opportunities for Floridians to install solar on their homes and businesses. (Click here for more information about member benefits; click here for the “Friends of FlaSEIA” membership application.)

Contact your elected officials and tell them that it’s time we get serious about clean energy and the climate crisis!
• Find your Representative
• Find your Senators

While we are disappointed about the solar ITC, we are still confident that the solar industry will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in coming years. Gigawatts of power and thousands of jobs continue to be added across the country each week, quarter and year. We are looking forward to a brilliant future for solar; thank you for your support and interest!