Alaskans have access to community solar thanks to a new law.
Federal government announces new efforts to protect residential solar customers
Washington, D.C.
The federal government has initiated a multi-agency effort to crack down on predatory business practices in the residential solar industry. The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission are encouraging consumers to file complaints, publishing new educational information for homeowners seeking solar quotes and more.
DOE loan office backs Qcells with $1.45 billion for new solar panel factory
Washington, D.C.
The Dept. of Energy’s Loan Programs Office announced a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.45 billion to Qcells for its new solar supply chain facility in Cartersville, Georgia. The site is expected to begin producing ingots, wafers, cells and panels in late 2024.
U.S. households claimed $6.3 billion in clean energy tax credits for 2023
Washington, D.C.
New data from the IRS found more than 1.2 million American families have claimed over $6 billion in credits for residential clean energy investments — such as solar electricity generation, solar water heating and battery storage — averaging $5,000 per family. It was the first year that the IRA’s full adjustments to the value and scope of these tax credits were in effect.
18 House Republicans urge Speaker not to repeal IRA
Washington, D.C.
On August 6, 18 House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson asking him to preserve the IRA after hearing concerns about repeal. The letter also emphasizes that the IRA has created good jobs and spurred investment in Republican districts.
Biden bumps number of silicon solar cells that can enter country tariff-free
Washington, D.C.
President Biden is giving the domestic solar panel manufacturing market a break from tariffs on imported solar cells with the latest announcement from the White House. The president has modified actions taken earlier this year on tariffed crystalline silicon solar (CSPV) imports by increasing the amount of silicon solar cells that can enter the country tariff-free to 12.5 GW.
Alaska becomes latest state to legalize community solar
Juneau, Alaska
On August 14, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed legislation enabling community solar programs in the state. The new law opens clean energy access for the first time to the more than 260,000 Alaskans who live in rental housing and 79,000 who are living below the federal poverty level.
California Public Advocates Office suggests changes for legacy NEM customers
Sacramento, California
California’s Public Advocates Office published a factsheet suggesting that NEM 1.0 and 2.0 customers should have their rates adjusted. Solar Power World talked to the California Solar & Storage Association about whether this is a real threat to the state’s solar policy. The California Solar & Storage Association said it’s not concerned about the implications of the report on California solar policy but is troubled by the PAO’s position on solar.
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