The Solar Policy Scoop: January 2024
A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

Treasury issues guidance on IRA advanced solar manufacturing credit
Washington, D.C.

In December, the federal government issued proposed regulations to provide guidance for the advanced manufacturing production credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The new Section 45X provides a credit for the production (within the United States) and sale of certain eligible components including solar and wind energy components, inverters, qualifying battery components and applicable critical minerals.

NYC relaxes zoning restrictions, opens 8,500 acres of parking lots to solar canopy development
New York City

New zoning regulations in New York City abolish the coverage and setback restrictions for rooftop solar installations that have historically hampered the expansion of clean energy developments. In addition, the law will allow for solar canopies to be installed over the city’s 8,500 acres of parking lots, adequate space for hundreds of additional megawatts of clean energy production.

IRS receives more than 8 GW in low-income solar bonus credit applications
Washington, D.C.

During the initial 30-day application window, the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program received more than 46,000 applications for new energy facilities located in low-income communities, on Indian land, as part of affordable housing or directly benefitting low-income households from across the country. The applications represent more than 8 GW of generation capacity — more than four-times the total capacity available for the 2023 program.

Advocacy groups form new Solar Powers Illinois coalition
Springfield, Illinois

A group of prominent solar organizations have come together to form Solar Powers Illinois. The new group aims to highlight the benefits of the Illinois solar industry and educates all Illinoisans on the value of solar energy, building on the momentum of landmark state and federal legislation to help inform employers, workers, residents, schools, organizations, businesses and elected officials about the many opportunities and benefits solar provides.

House Democrats introduce clean energy permitting and transmission legislation
Washington, D.C.

In December, Reps. Sean Casten (IL) and Mike Levin (CA) introduced the Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration (CETA) Act. CETA aims to inclusively and efficiently support the buildout of transmission lines, increase the grid’s reliability and develop renewable energy on public lands and oceans in a responsible, equitable and efficient manner.

Sen. Marco Rubio introduces legislation to restrict IRA solar manufacturing tax credits
Washington, D.C.

Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) introduced the Protecting Advanced American Manufacturing Act, with a stated goal of prohibiting companies with ties to adversary countries like China from receiving American tax credits. The senator introduced the measure ahead of the Biden Administration’s release of guidance for the IRA’s 45X manufacturing production tax credit.

Proposed aluminum import duties could further impact solar manufacturing
Washington, D.C.

The Dept. of Commerce is considering imposing AD/CVD tariffs on aluminum extrusions imported from 15 countries, including China, Mexico, Turkey, India, Italy and South Korea. In solar manufacturing, aluminum is used in many structural mounts and racks as well as solar module frames.