As of Dec. 17, 2019, the White House and Congress were unable to agree on an extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in an end of the year tax package. As a result, the credit decreased at the end of 2019. It also failed to include energy storage in the ITC.
According to Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in a SEIA press release:
“Congress let a crucial opportunity slip by, advancing a massive government spending bill without extending one of the most successful clean energy tax policies in history, the solar Investment Tax Credit.
“While I’m disappointed by this missed opportunity to boost the U.S. economy and jobs, and tackle climate change, I’m heartened that voter support for clean energy policies is at an all-time high. The solar ITC is a proven way to generate tens of billions of dollars in private investment each year, while substantially reducing carbon emissions. We will look for opportunities next year to again engage our incredibly supportive solar community and work with Congress on clean energy policies that work for all Americans.
“We knew this advocacy campaign was going to be an uphill climb. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and I’m grateful for our bipartisan supporters. We were pleased by the sheer number of co-sponsors we gained, including the 14 House Republicans. This support will be critical as we continue our fight for meaningful policy, including provisions for clean energy storage in 2020.”