Solar Energy Industries Association provides feedback on clean energy tax provisions

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) responded to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s request for comments on the clean energy tax provisions in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

SEIA officials said several tax provisions in the IRA require more clarity. One relates to whether companies can apply existing “Buy America” domestic content regulations to solar and storage facilities. Further, SEIA is seeking a fair and open application process for the low-income community allocated tax credits that includes all market segments and contains strong consumer protection measures for low-income households.

In addition, SEIA also is encouraging the Treasury to use transparent, easy-to-understand prevailing wage rates. It would also like to see reasonable accommodations on apprenticeship programs, such as defined geographic areas where employers should seek apprenticeship programs.

“The clean energy tax credit provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are designed to create jobs and speed our energy transition in a just and equitable fashion over the next decade, making effective and durable implementation a critical part of our clean energy future,” Sean Gallagher, vice president of state and regulatory affairs at SEIA, said. “SEIA’s regulatory and policy experts are deeply involved in the public comment process and continue to work hard to identify gaps and formulate policy recommendations that will help clean energy companies and the administration maximize the benefits of this law.”

In addition, SEIA is calling on the various federal agencies to provide guidance and to work together with the industry at every stage of implementation.