Solar industry calls on Congress for aid as COVID-19 threatens industry contractions

Hundreds of solar companies united this week to write Congress and call for help in weathering the COVID-19 epidemic, which the industry predicts could decimate solar jobs.

The 554 companies began by noting that their industry supported some 250,000 jobs at the end of last year. Now, with the stock market in freefall and tax equity markets drying up, these same solar companies note they are finding it harder to use tools like the solar Investment Tax Credit to get by. As a result, those companies want Congress to support their workers through any new stimulus packages, such as the one currently being considered in the House and Senate.

“According to our survey, some sectors in the solar industry could see a 50% reduction or more, up from BNEF’s estimate of 16% to 30% just a week ago,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “Today, more than 550 solar companies urged Congress to support our workers as part of any legislative stimulus package.”

The solar industry pays well for its jobs, Hopper noted. But those jobs are reliant on the strength of their industry — and the current crisis has left that industry flat-footed.

In its calls for help, the solar industry has asked for paid sick leave, small business support, and to either make the Investment Tax Credit refundable or payable directly to its businesses and customers.