U.S. Treasury Rolls Out New Rules for Solar Manufacturing Credits

he U.S. Treasury, together with the Internal Revenue Service, has unveiled crucial guidelines for the much-anticipated 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This development is a major boost for the clean energy sector, especially for solar energy manufacturers, offering a clear path forward for capitalizing on tax credits to enhance production.

The document details how manufacturers can reap the benefits of tax credits for producing various clean energy components within the United States. These include inverters, photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, and essential battery components.

The guidelines include rules on production, sales, and even special considerations for transactions between related entities. Additionally, they clarify how parties in contract manufacturing arrangements can determine eligibility for claiming the credit.

One of the standouts in the new guidance is the introduction of an 11¢/WAC credit for DC-optimized inverter systems, a critical element for the booming residential solar sector. However, to qualify for this credit, the manufacturer is required to produce and sell the inverter along with the DC optimizers as a unified end product in the DC-optimized system.

This development is being hailed as a big victory for solar manufacturers. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) sees the inclusion of contract manufacturers in credit eligibility as a strategic move that will accelerate growth in the sector. Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA's president and CEO, remarked, “This guidance provides important clarity for American manufacturers that are eagerly awaiting the certainty they need to invest and create jobs. SEIA has been a steadfast advocate for effective clean energy industrial policy, and today we secured several wins that will cement the United States as a global hub for solar and storage production.”

The 380 MW solar storage farm integrates solar panels with energy storage to provide reliable renewable energy and grid stability.

Now that the guidelines are out, there is a 60-day public comment period before they become final. This timeframe is critical for companies to fully understand and prepare to make the most of these tax credits.

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Sources:

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-27498.pdf

https://www.seia.org/news/