Solar and Renewable Energy Policy
As new silicon production comes online, solar technology advances, and energy prices from fossil fuels continue their inexorable climb, solar electricity is rapidly approaching price parity with other forms of electricity. But until it reaches that point, government policy will still play a strong role in the growth of solar and other renewable energy technologies and percentage of electricity produced through renewable energy.
Uneven federal support for renewable energy has led to a boom and bust cycle for many RE technologies, but smart legislation today (on a federal, state, and municipal level) can help speed renewable energy adoption while slowly decreasing industry dependence on renewable energy subsidies and helping to create independent industries. In this section, we offer information about current renewable energy legislation and incentives, rebates, and feed-in tariffs in the US and around the world, and what you can do to help!
US Renewable Energy Policy: ‘Feast or Famine’ for Wind Power
Since the energy crisis of the late 1970s, the federal government has employed various policy mechanisms to support renewable energy development. Driving through the neighborhoods that were developed in the late 70s and early 80s, it’s not hard to notice all of the old rooftop solar water heating arrays that were installed because people were taking advantage of a tax credit made available by the Carter administration. But the tax credit expired after Reagan took office, and recently installed rooftop solar water heaters are much less common today. The same thing will happen today if the renewable energy tax credits expire (referring broadly to the investment tax credit and production tax credit).
US Renewable Energy Policy: Solar Thermal Power
In 1976 Congress began giving serious consideration to enacting federal solar tax credits as a subsidy to lower the cost of solar energy systems. New Mexico, followed by California, had already passed state tax credit incentives to aid the budding industry. Unfortunately, the debate over national incentives had a negative impact on the growth of the solar industry.
What are the Best States for Solar Power?
It’s not the number of sunny days nor the latitude that makes a good state for solar power, but strong incentives, regulatory policies that are looking ahead, and strong support for setting renewable energy usage targets. Find out what these states are.
News
PG&E, SunPower Plan Solar Plants in California, Will Each Be 10 Times Bigger Than Largest Now in Service
Oregon Launches Solar Highway Powering I5/I205 Interchange in Tualatin
Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods Installing Solar Panels Ahead of ITC Expiration
Danish Island of Samsø Becomes Energy Self-Sufficient with Wind Energy, Solar and Other Renewables
GM To Install World’s Largest Solar Powered Roof in Spain
90% of Homes in Israel Solar Hot Water Equipped
Financing Renewable Energy: Feed in Tariff (FIT) Introduced in Congress
Solar Energy Production Creating Economic Boom for Nevada
Governor Signs Bill Mandating Solar Water Heaters in Hawaii
