Despite Dark Clouds, Outlook For U.S. Solar Has Bright Spots

A quick review of recent energy-related headlines in the U.S. seemingly portends unending challenges for the solar energy industry.

Shortly after taking office, the current administration issued Executive Order No. 14154, declaring a "national energy emergency" based, in part, on a perception of an "inadequate and intermittent energy supply."

This order laid the groundwork for federal agencies to streamline environmental reviews for certain types of energy projects — but not solar energy, which was excluded from the orders' definition of "energy."

The budget reconciliation package that just passed the Senate would phase out the existing renewable energy investment tax credit, including for solar energy projects, by the end of 2027, disallowing tax credits for residential solar facilities entirely.