Federal Solar Policies

Solar related policies that have been or could be adopted by Congress or the Executive Branch, including federal tax incentives, agency leadership, and R&D investments.

Federal/State Jurisdictional Split: Implications for Emerging Electricity Technologies

An Analysis of the Costs, Benefits, and Implications of Different Approaches to Capturing the Value of Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

Implications of the Scheduled Federal Investment Tax Credit Reversion for Renewable Portfolio Standard Solar Carve-Out Compliance

Status and Trends in U.S. Compliance and Voluntary Renewable Energy Certificate Markets (2010 Data)

Impacts of Federal Tax Credit Extensions on Renewable Deployment and Power Sector Emissions

Energy By The Numbers: Recovery Act

 

Procuring Solar Energy: A Guide For Federal Facility Decision Makers

DOE on SunShot Initiative progress

 

Veterans Affairs Approval Processes, the GI Bill and Solar Training

 

Policy Driver

What are the main policies driving solar growth?

While there are many different solar related policies on the federal, state, and local levels, the three most important and impactful solar policy drivers are the federal 30-percent Investment Tax

globe

Could solar really meet most of the world's energy needs?

Today, solar energy provides less than one percent of the world's energy, but that share could grow considerably with the right public policies and continued price reductions.

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How might comprehensive tax reform impact the solar industry?

The three most recent major tax reform proposals offered in Congress could increase solar system installation prices by as much as 58 percent as compared to the current tax regime.

Community Solar

Does the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) apply to community solar projects?

Unfortunately, it still unclear whether and when the 30% residential solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies to community or shared solar.

Residential solar

Can public energy assistance funding be used for low-income solar?

There are a number of energy assistance programs already in place at the federal, state, and local levels designed to help low-income households afford their energy bills.

Capitol

Will Congress extend solar tax incentives expiring in 2016?

The 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for residential and commercial solar systems will expire on December 31, 2016, after which the ITC credit drops to 10% for commercial systems and

Capitol

What federal tax policies are currently in place for solar?

Two federal tax policies, the 30 percent Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the 5-year Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), have underpinned the solar industry’s rem

Rooftop

How do solar incentives compare to other energy source subsidies?

Government incentives and subsidies, specifically at the federal level, are crucial to bringing any new source of energy to commercialization and allowing it to compete in the marketplace.