More than 550 solar companies in the US have signed a letter asking the US Federal government to include the 250,000 Americans working in the country’s solar industry in any economic stimulus package to help with the ongoing fall out from the coronavirus.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) chief executive Abigail Ross Hopper acknowledged in the letter that as the COVID-19 crisis “reaches new heights”, the public health crisis is affecting Americans on a “personal and an economic” level.
Ross said: “We are also faced with a reality we can’t ignore: the solar industry could lose up to half its workforce as a direct result of COVID-19.
“At the end of 2019, 250,000 Americans in every state had a career in the solar industry.
“These are well-paying jobs that put food on the table and keep the lights on. But they rely on the strength of our industry.”
Some sectors of the solar industry could see a 50% reduction or more in jobs, up from Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s earlier estimate of 16% to 30%, the survey found
Ross said: “Today, more than 550 solar companies urged Congress to support our workers as part of any legislative stimulus package.
“As the stock market tanks, tax equity markets are drying up making it even harder for solar companies to use tools like the solar investment tax credit.
“In addition to paid sick leave and small business support, Congress can provide immediate relief to solar families by allowing our companies to utilize the support Congress has already provided to the solar industry and make the ITC either refundable or payable directly to our businesses and customers.”