The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a monumental step in the right direction for the future of renewable energy, and will be essential in encouraging more people to go solar. One of the most important ways it will be able to accomplish this is through the newly available renewable energy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). ITCs are federal tax incentives that allow both individuals and businesses to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing their solar energy systems from their taxes. The base ITC defined in the IRA is 30%, but certain facilities may be eligible for œadder credits that can not only raise but double this number! Keep reading for a breakdown of these credits, and find out which ones are applicable to you and your business.

The pursuit of renewable energy is taking the world by storm. Not only are fossil fuels finite, with experts expecting us to completely deplete the resource by 2060, but they also have detrimental effects on the environment. Fossil fuels contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This release leads to more frequent and intense droughts, heat waves, storms, and rising sea levels. They also release harmful pollutants into our air and water supply that can contribute to numerous health issues. When making this necessary switch away from fossil fuels, it is important to understand what types of renewable energy are available.

Solar is a relatively new technology, therefore, there are several misconceptions circulating that may dissuade people from pursuing it as a source of energy. From the belief that solar doesnt work when the sun isnt shining, to the misconception that solar panels will damage rooftops, it is important to debunk these myths so residential and commercial customers alike will be more inclined to pursue solar as a source of renewable energy.

As the price of natural gas reaches a record high, energy costs are soaring, and businesses are searching for ways to offset their electric bills. For many companies, investing in solar panels provides a solution, allowing them not only to decrease their emissions, but also to save money.

The Sun is an infinite source of energy. However, in order to fully harness its power, we must find a way to store solar energy to use even when the sun isnt shining. Without storage, some generation by solar may be taken offline to avoid over-generation, essentially throwing away valuable energy. With storage, this energy can be collected and utilized on cloudy days, at night, or in the event of an electrical disruption, when solar production is low. How do we store this valuable energy? Some rely on batteries, but mechanical storage's popularity is rising as it has begun to be recognized as a more sustainable option.

UPDATE AUGUST 16, 2022 7:00 PM EDT: President Joe Biden signed the inflation Reduction Act into law with support from Senate Majority Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senator Joe Manchin, D-W VA.