Accelerating Solar Power & Electric Transport with the Inflation Reduction Act

Boosting Solar Power with the IRA

The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently reported record-shattering growth in solar power thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In 2023, the US solar industry added a remarkable 32.4 gigawatts (GW) of new electric generating capacity, marking a 37% increase from the previous record set in 2021. Solar power accounted for 53% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid last year, a significant milestone in renewable energy history.

Supercharging Solar Deployment

SEIA projects that if federal clean energy policies continue, total solar deployment will quadruple over the next decade. The IRA is driving this growth by boosting solar module manufacturing in the US. From 2022 to 2023, solar module manufacturing capacity surged from 8.5 GW to 16.1 GW, showcasing the monumental impact of the IRA on the solar industry.

Future of Solar Power

SEIA anticipates that by 2034, the US will have enough solar power capacity to supply 100 million homes. However, the organization highlights a potential 200-gigawatt gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for the industry by 2034, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current policies to sustain solar growth.

Driving EV Sales with the IRA

While the EV industry faces challenges, the Inflation Reduction Act has played a crucial role in boosting electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US. The expanded tax credit under the IRA has significantly reduced the price of Tesla vehicles, leading to increased sales. Tesla, which dominates over half of US electric car sales, benefits from a $7,500 tax credit for buyers, incentivizing EV adoption.

Stimulating EV Production

The IRA incentivizes US EV production and the entire EV supply chain, fostering growth in battery manufacturing and raw materials sourcing. Industry experts recognize the IRA’s impact on stimulating EV production and generating consumer interest in the EV market. The act has attracted over $92 billion of investment into EV production, creating 84,000 jobs in the industry.

Future of American Automakers

The IRA offers American automakers a path to global relevance in the EV revolution. By investing in EV innovation and manufacturing, US automakers can compete with foreign rivals and secure a strong position in the evolving automotive market. The act is driving substantial growth in solar power and EV industries, setting the stage for a transformative decade ahead.

Read More of this Story at cleantechnica.com – 2024-03-08 13:36:13

The Inflation Reduction Act: Boosting Solar Power and Electric Cars