Whatever Happened
to the Solar Tax Credits?
by Alex Wilson
Remember the 40 percent tax
credits for solar and other renewableenergy
systems? Though they expired
at the end of last year in a flurry of
solar-water-heater sales, there was
talk—indeed promise from some
experts—that they would be reinstated.
As the tax-reform bill took
shape, supporters lobbied gallantly to
include renewable-energy credits in
the final bill.
Despite some successes, for the
most part those tax credits are gone,
at least as they relate to most of us.
Where do tax credits and other tax
incentives for renewable energy now
stand, and what will it mean for the
renewable-energy industry?
First, Some Background
The solar tax credits went into
effect in 1978 (retroactive to '76)