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 80 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.
However, it’s especially critical in states like North Carolina, where solar leasing options are not as widely adopted or popular. For homeowners with the tax liability, Section 25D allows them to get the full value of their solar system instead of corporations capturing the credit through leasing programs. This policy ensures that homeowners retain more financial benefits, which is crucial for accelerating the adoption of solar in areas where leasing isn’t an option.
→ 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
The Importance of Clean Energy Policies for Jobs and Growth
Policies like Section 48E and Section 25D are not just about increasing clean energy adoption—they are critical for creating jobs in both North Carolina and across the United States. As we transition to a more sustainable energy system, clean energy industries like solar and storage are expanding, leading to tens of thousands of new jobs across the country.
In fact, according to recent reports from E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), the clean energy sector is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S. By 2030, the solar industry alone is expected to add over 500,000 new jobs, helping to meet growing energy demands while providing well-paying jobs in every state. These policies directly support these job opportunities by ensuring that the industry has the financial backing it needs to scale.
🔹 Last year, North Carolina added 4,408 new clean energy jobs, growing 1.7x faster than the state’s overall economy.
🔹 Clean energy now supports nearly 110,000 jobs statewide — over 11 times more than fossil fuels.
🔹 Our renewable generation workforce (dominated by solar) grew 7.7%, and grid & storage jobs jumped 10.1%, making it the state’s fastest-growing energy sector
These stats from E2’s Clean Jobs in North Carolina Report underscore the importance of continued federal investment — like the programs we went to D.C. to support — to keep this momentum going!
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.
