The US solar industry is urging Congress to extend deadlines for tax credits and create a direct pay option as a means to boost the sector and US jobs.
Almost 650 companies in the sector have written a letter calling on members of Congress to pass legislation that would push out deadlines for the solar investment tax credit (ITC) and create a direct pay option.
The letter said that both calls would help the economy recover from Covid-19.
It noted that at the end of June, 72,000 solar jobs had been lost as a result of the pandemic.
Solar Energy Industries Association president and chief executive Abigail Ross Hopper said: “Job creation isn’t a partisan issue and we should be looking to job producers in the solar industry to help lead us out of this economic crisis.
“With small policy changes, the solar industry can quickly and efficiently create jobs and add billions of dollars in investment.
“If lawmakers want to put Americans back to work, they should invest in solutions that can unleash the economic power of solar, one of the fastest-growing industries in America.”
The companies that signed onto the letter employ Americans in all 50 states and represent every part of the solar supply chain, from manufacturers to installers and financiers.