It’s time to regroup
After spending months trying to predict what would happen to the Inflation Reduction Act under the Trump presidency, we finally have answers, for better or worse.
While there were some small wins in the final bill to make the administration’s about-face on solar slightly less damaging, it’s still an incredibly challenging moment for the industry. Residential solar credits will end this year. Large-scale solar incentives are on the clock, with potentially prohibitive supply chain requirements starting next year and a president who can still use executive orders to throw even more curveballs. With the IRA’s help, the country went from installing a cumulative 20 GW of solar in 2022 to more than 40 GW each year that followed. It’s unclear what HR1’s impacts on those numbers will be in 2026 and beyond.
It’s a weird time to be heading to the solar industry’s biggest tradeshow. The past four have felt exceedingly hopeful, as well as just plain huge. So many companies expanding, so many entering the market thanks to Biden-era support of renewable energy. We’re not sure what to expect in this first RE+ in the “after” times, but we’ ll still be reporting on the policy, products and services you need to know to help you do the best job possible even under less-than-ideal po litical circumstances.
In this issue, we explore the changes coming from HR1 in all sectors of the solar industry. We also have a preview of highlights to expect on the floor at RE+, because the show must go on despite these new hurdles. As SEIA President Abby Hopper said in her response to HR1’s passage, “Regardless of what happens in Washington in the coming months and years, markets will continue to drive outcomes.” We’re hopeful that the industry can come together to commiserate and then find a path forward together at RE+. Thanks for sticking with us.
Kelsey Misbrener
Managing Editor
kmisbrener@wtwhmedia.com
