{"id":1160,"date":"2019-01-06T22:44:25","date_gmt":"2019-01-07T06:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/delsolenergy.com\/?p=1160"},"modified":"2023-04-09T12:12:37","modified_gmt":"2023-04-09T19:12:37","slug":"solar-industry-highlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/delsolenergy.com\/solar-industry-highlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Industry Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we cruise into 2019, like many industries, we like to review the solar in 2018.\u00a0 2018 was chalk full of major changes and exciting solar developments, at home and abroad.\u00a0 Let\u2019s review some of the solar industry highlights of the last year.<\/p>\n

Renewal of the Tax Incentive<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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The federal ITC originally was established in 2005 (The Energy Policy Act) and was set to expire in 2007.\u00a0 However, through a series of extensions, including one this year, the ITC tax credit will continue to be available to consumers. The tax credit will remain at 30% through 2019<\/strong>.\u00a0 In 2020, commercial and residential solar buyers will have access to a 26% tax credit, which will drop to 22% in 2021.\u00a0 From 2022 on, owners of new commercial solar can take a 10% tax credit.<\/p>\n

Rock Bottom Pricing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

2018 can be characterized by rock bottom pricing<\/strong> on both residential and commercial solar installations. This can be traced back to the fact that the cost of solar panels is at a historical low.\u00a0 In early years of solar, consumers were paying $10 a watt of solar, which is more than twice as much as consumers pay today.\u00a0 Solar has become an incredibly affordable energy strategy for both business owners and homeowners.<\/p>\n

Taxes and Tariffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Another hot topic in 2018 was the 30% tariff President Trump placed<\/strong> on most imported solar panels and cells.\u00a0 The idea was it would drive more investment in U.S. solar manufacturing.\u00a0 Although there was fear the tariffs would cripple the solar industry.\u00a0 But, the implementation of the tariff happened to coincide with a global drop in demand (thanks to China) \u2013 which made solar panel prices to plummet.\u00a0 In fact, the cost of a solar panel today in many markets, with the 30% tariff is lower than a non-tariff panel at the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n

Legislative Changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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