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)
