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The solar power industry is growing fast, accounting for more than half of all new electricity on the grid last year. But soon President-elect Donald Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress may try to reduce or eliminate government incentives that have driven much of that growth.
That has potential customers who want to install solar on their homes worried about the future of an existing 30% federal tax credit. Some are responding by rushing to install solar now, before the credit can be eliminated. Others are deciding solar is too risky with an incoming Trump administration.
Solar installers face even more uncertainty with threats of increased tariffs that could make panels and other equipment more expensive. The industry’s main trade group, Solar Energy Industries Association, has released a policy agenda that echoes some of Trump’s language, such as “energy dominance.” But it’s not clear that will sway a president who has been openly hostile to renewable energy.
Trump has suggested tariffs as high as 60% on imports from China and 20% on all other goods coming into the U.S. With the support of a Republican-controlled Congress, Trump also could rescind programs passed as part of President Biden’s climate agenda, where allocated money has not already been spent.
Solar customers respond to uncertainty
Jorge Solares says he decided last summer to install solar panels on his house in the Boston suburbs. He was motivated by environmental concerns: solar power doesn’t emit the climate-heating greenhouse gases that fossil fuels do. Saving money also was a motivation…
Again, this was just a small portion of Jeff’s article. Please view the full article here:
“People are Rushing to Install Solar Panels Before Trump Becomes President.” NPR, 12 Jan. 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/01/12/nx-s1-5228024/trump-solar-tax-credits?utm_source=SolarWakeup&utm_campaign=4679809d18-SolarWakeup_2_182_16_2013_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5eaa0aab62-4679809d18-44279532&mc_cid=4679809d18&mc_eid=c6c45a1c39. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
