Collaborating for a Stronger Solar Future
Earlier this month, our CEO Will Etheridge hit the road to Washington, D.C. to join fellow Amicus Solar Cooperative members in pushing for strong federal support of clean, American-made solar energy.
What is Amicus Solar Cooperative?
Amicus is a member-owned cooperative made up of over 60 independent solar companies across the U.S., working together to share best practices, amplify impact, and grow the clean energy movement.
What We Were There to Support
Together with a crew of mission-aligned solar professionals from across the country, the team met with lawmakers to advocate for and share why key clean energy programs matter — for solar businesses, homeowners, farmers, and communities across the country.
Here’s a look at the programs we were there to lift up and support:
Section 48E Investment Tax Credit
This new, tech-neutral tax credit supports clean electricity projects like solar, wind, and battery storage. It’s designed to grow American-made energy, create good jobs, and keep driving momentum toward our climate goals.
→ Read the U.S. Treasury’s official announcement
→ See SEIA’s take on the new rules
Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit
You’re probably aware of this one! This credit offers homeowners a 30% federal tax credit for installing solar and other clean energy systems at home. It’s a big reason why solar is becoming more affordable and accessible for families across the country.
→ Learn more from the IRS
→ Homeowner guide to incentives
USDA REAP Program
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help small businesses and farms in rural areas invest in solar and energy efficiency improvements. It’s a meaningful way to lower energy costs and keep clean power local.
→ USDA’s latest REAP announcement
Meet the Solar Leaders Who Joined
The trip was led by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol) and Kevin Schulte (GreenSpark), who also spearheads policy work for Amicus.
The advocacy team included representatives from across the country, including:
- Kevin Koch – Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) (Tucson, AZ)
- Dave Hollister – Sundance Power Systems (Asheville, NC)
- Roberta Washburn – Kokosing Solar (Ohio)
- Tom Mills – CESolar (Utah & Wyoming)
- Kevin Schulte – GreenSpark Solar (New York)
- Dan Conant, Thomas Ramey, Heather Ransom – Solar Holler (West Virginia)
- Tony Capucille – Eight Twenty (Oklahoma)
- Shaun Pardi – Envinity (Pennsylvania)
Pictured: Dave Hollister (Sundance, Asheville NC), Roberta Washburn (Kokosing Solar) & Will D. Etheridge (Southern Energy Management)
🌞 Working Together for a Brighter Energy Future
It’s always inspiring to stand shoulder to shoulder with others in this work — pushing for policies that reflect the value of solar, the power of people, and the urgency of our climate goals. We’re proud to represent and keep the momentum going toward a brighter, cleaner energy.
We’re stronger together. Stay connected to what’s happening in clean energy, and how you can support it.
