"Brandon Praileau, a pastor from Norfolk, Virginia, was speaking to families in his community about a federally funded programme that would help them install rooftop solar units in their homes. The government funds would take care of their installation costs, and once installed, lower the burden of rising electricity costs, a pressing concern. Then, Praileau heard the federal government had scrapped the $7bn Solar For All programme through which his project and other solar projects across the country were to be funded, leaving them stranded."
"It is one of several federally funded renewable energy projects that have been scrapped or will end early, veering off the country's planned shift to renewable energy, also making it harder to meet climate goals. Praileau, Virginia programme director for Solar United Neighbors, had been helping roll out the project that received $156m in federal funds to support 7,500 low- and middle-income families with solar installation. Praileau say he was mind blown by the sudden withdrawal."
"The federal government will also end the 30 percent tax credit for solar rooftop installation in homes this December. For businesses, these tax credits will only be available if they start construction of factories, malls or other businesses, for which the solar installations are meant, by June 2026. The Department of Energy also withdrew $13bn in funding from a range of other renewable energy projects, including upgrading power grids, carbon-neutral cement production, and battery energy storage."
Federal actions have ended multiple renewable energy programmes and incentives, including the $7bn Solar For All programme and the 30 percent residential solar tax credit. The Department of Energy withdrew $13bn from projects such as grid upgrades, carbon-neutral cement production, and battery storage, while wind funding initiatives were also terminated. The changes affect projects supporting low- and middle-income families, halt financing for rooftop solar installations, impose new deadlines for business tax credits, and could produce substantial economic losses and delays for wind and other clean-energy projects. These measures raise concerns about meeting emissions reductions and increasing household electricity burdens.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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