Supporters say the investment has paid off. A record number of
But the plug will be pulled this year since lawmakers concerned about a state budget crisis did not approve a measure that would have extended the popular incentive through 2024. With the 10-percent tax credit now expiring at the end of the year, New Mexico joins other states where credits and other incentives have started to disappear.
While states have adopted hundreds of different policies and incentives related to various sources of renewable energy and energy efficiency, 16 states had specific programs that offered personal tax credits for solar.
Half of those states already have had their credits expire, including North Carolina, which once boasted the nation's most generous tax credit for solar installation. Others are in line to see them sunset over the next two years. Some states also have let expire corporate tax credits for solar.
"It's definitely a trend that we're seeing nationwide," said Autumn Proudlove, a senior policy analyst at North Carolina State University's Clean Energy Technology Center, which tracks state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
According to a report released last month by the Clean Energy Technology Center, state policies and regulations that substantially affect the financial viability of roof-top business and residential solar are experiencing considerable uncertainty and volatility despite the industry's growth, falling prices and the federal government's extension of its 30 percent tax break.
Utilities have fought back over the years by lobbying lawmakers and state regulators to change metering policies and reduce incentives, arguing that the solar industry can stand on its own.
Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2016-03-solar-incentives-sunset-states-grapple.html#jCp
