The 2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was scheduled to step down to 22% this year, but will stay at 26% after Congress struck a last-minute bipartisan deal on a major energy bill within an omnibus package to fund the federal government.
The legislation provides a two-year extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and additional funding for research and development, including on soft costs critical to distributed energy deployment. It also includes support for more access to federal lands for renewable energy projects.
Under the legislation, the solar ITC will remain at 26% for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022, step down to 22% in 2023, and will be further reduced to 10% in 2024 for commercial projects. The residential credit will end in 2024.
The bill also provides loan guarantees for projects that deploy innovative emission-reducing technologies, and establishes new programs to accelerate the transition to clean energy. The legislation includes fossil fuel and nuclear research and development funding, but it shifts funding parity toward renewables.
Related Stories
Legislation | Aug 19, 2016
California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence
An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.
Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016
Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects
The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.
Standards | Aug 17, 2016
U.K.’S BREEAM green building standard enters U.S. market
The standard is touted as a cost-effective alternative to LEED.
Standards | Aug 16, 2016
Standard for conducting, reporting energy audits open for review
A joint ASHRAE/ACCA proposal seeks comments from industry professionals.
Legislation | Aug 10, 2016
Calif. bill would speed up environmental lawsuits on certain projects
A nine-month limit has been proposed for some $100 million-plus projects.
Resiliency | Aug 10, 2016
White House pushes for better finance strategies for disaster mitigation and resilience
The move highlights innovative insurance, mortgage, tax, and finance-based strategies.
Regulations | Aug 9, 2016
New trend eases parking requirements for U.S. cities
Transit-oriented development and affordable housing are spurring the movement.
Regulations | Aug 8, 2016
EPA toughens rules to reduce formaldehyde exposure from composite wood products
Products will now have to be labeled as compliant to the new rules.
Regulations | Aug 5, 2016
Stop-work orders in New York City up sharply this year
The orders come after a rise in the number of deadly accidents that have occurred in the past few years.
Sustainability | Aug 4, 2016
S.F. Bay Area voters approve first-of-its-kind tax to fight impact of climate change
The funds from the tax will be used to restore wetlands