Reflections on a Challenging Year and Wishes for the New Year
Looking back on 2017, the solar industry has confronted a challenging year from the local to the national level.
We are waiting to see if President Donald Trump will impose the International Trade Commission’s recommendations for tariffs on imported panels and modules. Currently, the President has until January 26 to make his decision. While the recommendations are less punitive than Suniva sought in its petition to the ITC, the effect of these tariffs would still be a serious blow to the jobs and investment the solar industry has created in the U.S. Tariffs also would inhibit the investments that bring needed revenues to many economically underserved Georgia communities and the control solar offers many Georgia consumers for their energy consumption.
The Georgia Solar Energy Association has been actively engaged in the effort to persuade the ITC and our state’s elected officials that these tariffs will cut good jobs from our growing solar industry. In May, GA Solar gathered more than 150 signatures on a letter outlining the damage solar tariffs would do and delivered it to members of Georgia’s congressional delegation in Washington. Throughout the year, we have provided regular updates on the progress of the case through email and in our social media. Here is a link to the Solar Energy Industries Association website that offers ways you can be involved in opposition to the tariffs:
GA Solar has engaged in local solar policy, too. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, we helped persuade Central Georgia EMC to cancel its punitive charges on solar customers. We have worked with the cities of Atlanta, Decatur, and Athens, GA, to create permitting processes for solar installation that reduce delay and project costs.
Next year will be equally challenging as we consider the candidates for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission that are up for election. The Georgia PSC has more influence on energy regulation than any other state elected officials. With two of the five PSC seats on the November 2018 ballot, we have never had a better opportunity to fill them with leaders who can support and protect the growth of Georgia’s solar industry. We also will be engaged in new opportunities to remove barriers to solar at the local level through rate design, zoning and permitting processes that advance solar development.
Please join us on December 14th for our annual Holiday Celebration and consider increasing your support in 2018 for the vital work we do in promoting solar, educating the public on its benefits and protecting our thriving solar industry.
In this season of light, GA Solar wishes joy to all and a prosperous New Year ahead.