The Solar Policy Scoop: May 2023 A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

IRS provides guidance on energy community bonus credit in IRAWashington, D.C.

The Dept. of the Treasury has issued eligibility requirements for “energy communities” seeking a 10% ITC or PTC adder via the Inflation Reduction Act. The three types of energy communities include brownfields, retired coal plants and statistical areas impacted by those coal plant closures.

House votes to repeal Inflation Reduction Act in debt limit negotiationsWashington, D.C.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, a Republican bill that would repeal the majority of the clean energy incentives enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act. While it’s unlikely to pass the Senate, it’s a sign the House may keep working to curb IRA incentives.

DOE announces funding to support solar PV recycling innovationsWashington, D.C.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy announced a new round of $82 million in funding to support solar PV recycling innovations, development of domestic cadmium telluride and perovskite solar cell manufacturing and more. Some of the funds will go toward efforts to design modules for easy recycling as well as advancements to the end-of-life recycling process.

Numerous states shifted to avoided-cost or time-varying net-metering programs in Q1 2023The USA

The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center’s latest edition of “The 50 States of Solar” report found 41 states took some type of distributed solar policy action in the first quarter of 2023, with most related to net-metering, community solar or fixed charges. Net-metering program changes in Arkansas, North Carolina and Indiana underscored these findings.

Holy Cross Energy proposes cutting net-metering ratesGlenwood Springs, Colorado

Colorado rural electric cooperative Holy Cross Energy proposed a new rate structure that would cut net-metering rates for solar customers and add a per-kilowatt-hour delivery charge to maintain the grid. Industry advocates say if the proposal is approved, it will discourage consumer investment in solar power.

Maryland bill to permanently expand community solar awaits governor’s signatureAnnapolis, Maryland

A bill that will replace Maryland’s legacy community solar pilot program with a permanent, less restrictive and more equitable community solar program has passed the state legislature and is expected to be signed by Gov. Wes Moore. The bill will eliminate the 580-MW community solar cap and require a dedicated percentage of capacity to benefit low- and moderate-income customers.

Conservation groups sue FEMA for funneling Puerto Rico disaster funds into more fossil fuel generationSan Juan, Puerto Rico

Conservation and community groups sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security over their plans to rebuild the fossil fuel-based electric grid in Puerto Rico instead of investing in renewable energy sources after Hurricane Maria. The groups say FEMA wants to invest at least $12 billion in projects that lock Puerto Ricans into decades of fossil-fuel dependence.

New law ensures stable bill credits for Colorado community solar customersDenver, Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law that updates Colorado’s community solar garden program to ensure subscribers receive stable bill credits from utilities. Subscribers can now choose between locking in their credit rate at the beginning or opting for a variable rate determined annually by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Texas bill would end subsidies paid for renewablesAustin, Texas

Texas senators passed a bill that would end the subsidies paid for renewable energy produced in the state, saying the renewables market has grown so much that they’re no longer necessary, according to the Herald Banner. SB 2014 is part of a portfolio of bills to prop up gas-fueled generation that has now moved on to the state’s House of Representatives.