Of all the federal government programs, there’s one that’s actually working — the federal investment tax credit, which allows a 30% federal tax credit for solar energy projects. But unless a bill is passed to extend it by the end of the year, congress is poised to shut it down. Go figure.
Solar power has proven to be a job-creating engine, economic driver for communities and effective response to the climate crisis. That’s why Congress offered support for homeowners and businesses to do the right thing while actually saving money in the process. This is especially important in Virginia, where there are not a lot of state incentives to go solar. And so far, it’s working.
Still a new sector, 250,000 Americans are employed in solar energy. This is more than double the number that worked in solar than just a decade ago. These are good jobs with solid pay and benefits, in positions that can’t be sent offshore because they’re building clean energy projects in our communities across America. And these are jobs for all kinds of people: marketing, sales, engineering, customer service, warehouse, construction, accounting, IT, HR and so many more.
This has certainly been true at Ipsun, alongside the other roughly 9,500 people who owe our jobs to this important sector and feel great about doing our part in the climate crisis.
Beyond the growth in this jobs market, the solar industry is delighting our customers. Whether it’s a homeowner, a farmer in a rural community, a small business, corporation, or school – folks have gone solar at an accelerating pace.
Like I said, it’s working. A big driver of this American success story is the federal support. Our government has a long history of supporting industries deemed important. That’s why every year, depletion incentives go to benefit coal, oil and gas corporations. Those incentives for carbon-based fuels roll along year after year, yet oddly, federal support for clean energy begins sunsetting this coming January 1 and ends entirely for homeowners in 2022.
There’s a move in Congress to extend the federal investment tax credit that supports homeowners and businesses who want to get in on the clean energy revolution. This policy has helped solar energy become one of America’s fastest growing industries — providing good jobs and strengthening communities as strong action against climate change. Now is not the time to put the brakes on clean energy. Congress will be in a late-year frenzy to pass a bill to fund next year’s government. Here’s hoping they also decide to continue the 30% solar tax credit, because it’s a climate policy that’s actually working.
We should all reach out to our congresspeople and let them know we support this 30% tax credit extension for solar. If you call the US Congress switchboard at (202) 224-3121, you can tell them your zipcode and be connected with your legislators’ offices. There you may leave a comment about your support for the solar ITC tax credit extension. Grassroots support works, so please reach out today!
Interested in taking advantage of the federal tax credit? Even if the ITC isn’t extended, it’ll still be 26% for 2020, and then phase out over the next couple of years. So grab your savings now. Give us a call at (866) 484-7786 to find out more!
