The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have reached a compromise on their distinct versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, settling on a $790 billion package that includes a number of provisions beneficial to the solar industry.
A bill is expected to go to President Barack Obama for a signature no later than Monday.
Although the Senate and House are still determining the final language and details to be included in the legislation that is sent to the Oval Office, the Solar Energy Industries Association says its ‘top priorities’ are very likely to be included in that bill.
Among these priorities are renewable energy grants (as an alternative to the investment tax credit), a renewable energy loan guarantee program, a manufacturing investment credit, the removal of the $2,000 monetary cap on solar water heating systems, and government procurement of various solar systems for federal buildings and schools.
