The best billboard for solar power is a solar panel. People are captivated and inspired by solar panels quietly at work producing clean energy. Last month, Americans saw tens of thousands of these billboards through almost 600 American Solar Energy Society (ASES) tours of homes, municipal buildings and businesses in 38 states, each demonstrating the use of clean, affordable solar power.
Solar Tax Policy
The U.S. has a long history of supporting energy infrastructure through the U.S. tax code. The market certainty provided by a long-term investment tax credit (ITC) for solar energy has supported private investment in manufacturing and project construction, a vital part in meeting our nation's energy policy goals, driving cost-cutting innovation and job growth.
Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The ITC reduces tax liability for individuals or businesses that purchase qualifying solar energy technologies, encouraging investment and spurring growth in solar energy.
1603 Treasury Program
The 1603 Treasury Program allows developers to take a federal grant in lieu of the ITC, allowing taxpayers to maximize the return and value of existing energy tax incentives.
Depreciation of Solar Energy Property
Similar to many other sectors of the economy, the U.S. Tax Code allows businesses investing in qualifying solar energy property to recover certain capital costs through income tax deductions.
Solar Tax Exemptions
Solar tax exemptions, including both property and sales tax exemptions, are provided by state and local governments to help lower the costs of owning solar energy property.
Solar Financing Policy
The availability of financing for solar energy projects is a critical issue for the industry. SEIA monitors financial regulations and legislation that may affect the markets for solar financing, and supports a number of specific programs that facilitate the development of solar energy projects of all sizes and technologies, including:
DOE Loan Guarantee Program
The Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program (LGP) supports financing of renewable projects and manufacturing facilities, helping to deploy clean energy technologies across the U.S.
Third-Party Solar Financing
Third-party solar financing allows residential and commercial solar customers to purchase solar through leases, power purchase agreements, and other alternative ownership models.
