Some Good Solar News

This week, the solar world is on edge as we wait for the Senate to come back next week and write their version of the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

Call your senators and advocate for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Clean Energy Tax Credits.

In the meantime, I wanted to highlight some positive developments for the solar industry this week.

I think we all need it.

1. Texas anti-solar bills die in House, and Texas passes bill to fast-track home solar

What's new:

Three major anti-renewable energy bills (SB 819, SB 388, and SB 715) failed to move forward before the Texas House's legislative deadline. SB 1202, a bill to expedite permitting for home solar + battery systems, passed the Texas legislature and heads to Gov. Abbott.

This move bought Texas Solar companies more time, since the Texas Legislature convenes every two years in odd-numbered years. The next regular session is scheduled to start on January 12, 2027.

Why it matters:

The bills would have imposed heavy restrictions on solar, wind, and battery storage in Texas. The new law reduces delays and lowers costs for families installing backup power, especially after crises like Winter Storm Uri.

Go deeper:

Bills that died:

* SB 819 would have added Extra fees and permitting hurdles for renewables only.

* SB 388 would have required half of the new ERCOT generation to come from non-battery, "dispatchable" sources.

* SB 715 would've forced existing renewable projects to add expensive backup systems.

Over 100 groups opposed these bills, and their legislative blitz has been successful this legislative round.

Bill that passed:

Senate Bill 1202's new benefits for solar:

* Homeowners can use third-party engineers to get immediate approval to start construction.

* Regulatory authorities must issue final permits within two business days.

If not vetoed by the Governor's office, the bill will become law on September 1, 2025.

2. Tariff loophole could open on June 2

What's new:

The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing warns that a clerical delay could let tariffed Southeast Asian solar panels enter the U.S. without paying duties.

Why it matters:

Millions of solar panels could enter untaxed, undermining the newly approved anti-dumping tariffs that the International Trade Commission claims will protect U.S. manufacturers of solar panels.

Go deeper:

* Preliminary tariffs from Dec. 4, 2024, expire after 180 days (on June 1). If the ITC doesn't publish its final decision in the Federal Register by June 2, products can enter tariff-free. A similar loophole already allowed products to skip countervailing duties back in February.

* Imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are involved.

3. Wind + solar outpaced coal + nuclear in Q1 2025, Accounting for 98% of new capacity

What's new:

Wind and solar generated 19% of U.S. electricity in Q1 2025 (more than coal or nuclear) per EIA data. Solar and wind made up nearly all new U.S. generating capacity in Q1 2025.

Why it matters:

Renewables are rapidly replacing legacy power sources on the U.S. grid. Despite political headwinds, the market is still choosing renewables.

Go deeper:

* Solar output grew 33.7% year-over-year; wind rose 9.5%. In March alone, solar + wind hit 23.9% of U.S. electricity. Solar now exceeds hydropower generation nationally.

* Solar was 72.3% of all new Q1 capacity; wind was 25.5%.

* Renewables now make up 31.5% of utility-scale generating capacity.

* Solar has been #1 in new capacity for 19 straight months. By 2028, solar could overtake gas.

Our Sources:

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