solar industry saw a range of notable policy developments in December as lawmakers, regulators, and industry groups advanced efforts to expand community energy, improve solar program design, and modernize grid interconnection frameworks. . A coalition of 143 solar companies signed a letter requesting reforms to solar project permitting, as Trump administration executive orders have led to an effective shutdown of all projects under Department of Interior purview. Roughly half of all planned power capacity must gain approval of the. . The U. Inflation Reduction Act directs unprecedented investment in clean energy development and climate investments — a whopping $369 billion or more over the next decade. But finance is just one piece of the puzzle for delivering the country's clean energy goals. Building renewable energy and. . In the wake of the US federal government's withdrawal of support for renewable energy under the controversial 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) act, state and local governments have emerged as critical players in advancing solar energy deployment. With federal policy creating significant. . Permitting and transmission for utility solar projects has been a challenge for the industry that has only intensified as installations get larger in size. But a new bipartisan bill in its early stages in the Senate is giving large-scale solar developers hope for a less-congested future.
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Solar power benefits the environment. Adopting renewable energy helps to improve air and water quality and helps the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change. DOE partners with national labs to develop innovations that lower the costs of solar energy.
Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses are taking advantage of clean energy.
Other state reforms have been more limited. For example, in 2022, Illinois enacted legislation that limits the ability of local entities such as cities to restrict certain renewable energy projects like wind and establishes minimum setback requirements and height and sound limitations.
Solar deployment generates economic opportunities. The solar industry—from manufacturing to installation and maintenance—can get more people into careers in clean energy, launch small businesses, and contribute to growing local economies.
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