Title: Solar's "Silver Linings"? More Like Fool's Gold
Okay, so the federal solar tax credit is about to vanish like a fart in the wind, and suddenly everybody's scrambling for "silver linings"? Give me a break. This whole rooftop solar industry feels like a house of cards built on government handouts.
The "Innovative" Rental Scheme
EnerWealth Solutions in North Carolina thinks they've got a genius plan: buy solar panels before the tax credit expires, then rent them to homeowners. They get the tax break, homeowners get "savings." Sounds great, right? Until you realize it's just another way to kick the can down the road.
It's like those "rent-to-own" furniture places, except instead of a La-Z-Boy, you're stuck with a bunch of panels on your roof that you'll never actually own. And what happens when EnerWealth inevitably gets bought out by some soulless corporation that jacks up the rates? Nobody's talking about that, offcourse.
Brian Liechti, director of solar leasing, says their goal is to “Make hay and electrons while the sun shines.” Translation: "Get as much government money as possible before the gravy train derails." How long before they start lobbying for more subsidies, claiming they're "saving the planet"?
The Hawaii Bloodbath
Meanwhile, over in Hawaii, it's a full-blown crisis. Trump axed the federal solar tax credit early, and now the state's solar industry is staring down the barrel of a "bloodbath," according to Rocky Mould, executive director of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. Nice, subtle language there, Rocky.
Hawaii's electricity rates are already the highest in the nation – 43 cents per kilowatt hour on Oahu! – and solar was supposed to be the escape hatch. Now, that $15,000 system that would’ve cost a family $5,700 after tax credits is suddenly $10,000. Who can afford that?
And it's not just homeowners getting screwed. Thousands of solar workers are about to lose their jobs. Installers, electricians, project managers… poof, gone. Economic devastation by policy choice. Great job, Washington.
But wait, maybe Hawaii can save itself! The article suggests the state legislature should "absolutely protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s 35% state solar tax credit." Oh, and also "reinstate and expand a direct rebate program for low and middle-income households." So, more government money? Sounds like a sustainable solution... not.
Midwestern Miracles? Don't Bet On It.
Then there's the story about rural Midwestern towns "saving huge amounts of cash" by going solar. Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, upgraded its 1970s pool, and Council Member Steve Strand says solar will "probably help pay for the pool." Ah yes, the real reason people are embracing renewable energy: to fund municipal swimming pools. Rural Midwestern towns are saving huge amounts of cash by going solar: 'It'll probably help pay for the pool'
But let's be real. These towns only went solar because of a combination of tax credits, zero-interest loans, and rebates. Take away those incentives, and suddenly solar ain't so appealing anymore.
And what happens when those panels start degrading in 10-15 years? Who’s paying for that? No one seems to be asking the hard questions.
So, What's the Real Story?
This whole solar charade is a perfect example of what happens when you try to force a market with government subsidies. It creates a bubble, distorts prices, and ultimately leaves taxpayers holding the bag. The idea that we can "incentivize" our way to a clean energy future is naive at best, and downright delusional at worst. Maybe I'm just too cynical.
