U.S. Solar Industry Fights to Keep Alive a Federal Incentive Program

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is fighting with Congress to extend a popular federal incentive program. Set to end on December 31 this year, the group states that the program could create 37,400 more jobs and add nearly 500 megawatt.

1 minute read

October 14, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By David Zeetser

"The (program) has been the most effective policy in driving economic and job growth in the past two years," said Rhone Resch, CEO of SEIA, during a conference call Wednesday. "As we continue to slog through a sluggish economy, the tax equity market remains in a much smaller capacity than where it was in 2007."

The group continues to press by reporting that "if the program continues through 2013, then the solar industry will add another 51,000 jobs and 1,266 megawatts in 2013," according to Ucilia Wang.

Another reason why groups are pushing for this expansion is that solar projects are eligible for a 30% tax credit. Wang states that "with the grant program, project developers can obtain the equivalent amount in cash and write off their assets more quickly."

FULL STORY: Solar Industry Fights For Extension Of Subsidies

Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Forbes

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