Further Thoughts on the Economics of Losing the Federal Solar Tax Credit

Date: 12 Oct 2016 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Amid the discussion over ending the federal solar tax credit in 2015, I published an analysis of the less-than-expected hit to residential solar costs. I made a big mistake. Instead of a 2.5% cost increase, the impact of the expired tax credit would be closer to 13.3%. But a revised and deeper investigation also shows our … Read More

Democratic Energy Media Roundup – week of January 4, 2016

Date: 6 Jan 2016 | posted in: Energy | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

This week in Democratic Energy: Nevada slashes Net Metering policy. Solar investment tax credit gets an extension from Congress. Midwest Energy News’ 2015 year in review focuses on the fight between utilities and everyone else. Featured Stories: Fixed charges, ‘bailouts’ and green tea: the Midwest Energy News 2015 year in review by Ken Paulman, Midwest Energy … Read More

Congress Gets Renewable Tax Credit Extension Right

Date: 5 Jan 2016 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

In case you missed it over the holiday, Congress passed a new federal budget, notably extending tax credits for solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies. The extension differs from previous ones in two ways: it extends the credits for multiple years but also (as ILSR has been discussing since 2012) phases them out over time. … Read More

Democratic Energy Media Roundup – week of November 23, 2015

Date: 30 Nov 2015 | posted in: Energy | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

This week in Democratic Energy: The Solar Investment Tax Credit may expire but the sun won’t necessarily be setting on solar. Overwhelming majority in Hawaii supports rooftop solar. Minnesota group worries community solar projects won’t kick in until tax credit expires, thanks to Xcel Energy. Featured Stories [VIDEO] Group worried Xcel’s solar program won’t kick in … Read More

It’s not Doomsday, but Neither is Ending the Solar Tax Credit Good Policy

Date: 19 Nov 2015 | posted in: Energy, Energy Self Reliant States | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

I took the “no” side in a point/counterpoint in the Wall Street Journal this week on the topic: Will Solar Energy Plummet if the Investment Tax Credit Fades Away? It’s been a great conversation-starter, but also an opportunity to clarify ILSR’s position on the tax credit extension. In short, while allowing the 30% tax credit to … Read More