Senator Jon Ossoff has introduced legislation to make rooftop solar panel installations and solar integrated roofing systems more affordable for homeowners and businesses.
The bill aims to “help accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and reduce greenhouse gases,” Ossoff’s office said of the legislation, which expands solar tax credits to cover an integrated solar roofing system and roof replacements and repairs necessary for solar panel installations.
Ossoff also said it will create more American jobs.
“This bill will make it more affordable for all Americans to install rooftop solar panels, saving them money on their electric bills and boosting renewable energy production nationwide,” Ossoff is quoted saying in a press release. “I will continue leading Senate efforts to scale up renewable energy production.”
Here’s what others had to say about the legislation:
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) —“If we want to take meaningful action towards addressing the climate crisis, the future must be powered by clean energy. Solar energy is a great alternative that needs to be made more accessible to more Americans. The RAISE the Roof Act does just that. Clarifying and expanding the ITC to include new integrated solar roofing technology will make solar adoption easier and more available to more American families. There is a unique opportunity in front of us to grow our clean energy sector, create jobs here at home, and make it easier for consumers to access renewables like solar –– all while fueling our recovery from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. We’ve already seen the incredible impact the solar ITC has had on our clean energy economy since it was implemented 15 years ago. This legislation will only bolster that growth and incentivize the expansion of the clean energy sector, here in New Jersey and across the country.”
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) — “As the threat of climate change grows, we have no choice but to use every tool in our toolbox to combat it and encourage clean energy solutions. Solar roofing is one of the most promising and easily accessible avenues to reaching our climate goals. By expanding the Investment Tax Credit to include solar roofing technologies, this innovative legislation will help grow the solar industry and better encourage individual Americans to join the fight against climate change.”
Sherrill and Pascrell, Jr. introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
“We see tremendous opportunity in roofs as real estate to drive the acceleration of clean energy. This bill positions existing American manufacturing resources and know-how to contribute meaningfully to a resilient path forward in our energy infrastructure,” said Martin DeBono of President GAF Energy.
Click here to read the legislation.
