The US government's sudden decision to scrap billions of dollars in funding for solar rooftop projects has left families reeling. Brandon Praileau, a pastor from Norfolk, Virginia, was about to help 7,500 low- and middle-income families install solar units on their rooftops - thanks to a federal program that would cover the installation costs. However, just weeks later, he heard that the government had axed the $7 billion Solar For All program, leaving those projects stranded.
The move has been described as "mind blown" by Praileau and others involved in the project. The funding was intended to help low- and middle-income families reduce their electricity costs, which have risen sharply in recent years due to extreme weather events and other factors. In Florida, for example, power costs have increased by 60% since 2019, forcing residents like Heaven Campbell to make difficult choices about how much energy they use.
The Solar For All program was just one of several federally funded renewable energy projects that have been scrapped or will end early. The Department of Energy has also withdrawn $13 billion in funding from other renewable energy initiatives, including upgrading power grids and promoting carbon-neutral cement production. This move is expected to lead to a significant loss of jobs in the solar industry, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as 114 billion dollars.
The decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who say that it will make it harder for the US to meet its climate goals. "This is a big plunge on the solar coaster," says Barry Cinnamon, chief executive of Cinnamon Energy Systems. The elimination of tax credits will also mean that consumers are at the mercy of utilities, who can raise their rates without limit.
The impact of this decision will be felt across the country, with states like California and Virginia already struggling to meet their renewable energy targets. In California, for example, power costs have risen by 34% since 2019, largely due to record-breaking wildfires that forced utilities to replace and strengthen their power lines.
As the solar industry struggles to recover from this blow, advocates are calling for lawmakers to take action to restore funding for these programs and ensure a smooth transition. "This is not just about the money," says Ryan Schleeter, communications director of The Climate Center. "It's about the people who are being hurt by this decision." With litigation already underway in several states, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will act to restore funding for these vital renewable energy initiatives.
The move has been described as "mind blown" by Praileau and others involved in the project. The funding was intended to help low- and middle-income families reduce their electricity costs, which have risen sharply in recent years due to extreme weather events and other factors. In Florida, for example, power costs have increased by 60% since 2019, forcing residents like Heaven Campbell to make difficult choices about how much energy they use.
The Solar For All program was just one of several federally funded renewable energy projects that have been scrapped or will end early. The Department of Energy has also withdrawn $13 billion in funding from other renewable energy initiatives, including upgrading power grids and promoting carbon-neutral cement production. This move is expected to lead to a significant loss of jobs in the solar industry, with some estimates suggesting it could be as high as 114 billion dollars.
The decision has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who say that it will make it harder for the US to meet its climate goals. "This is a big plunge on the solar coaster," says Barry Cinnamon, chief executive of Cinnamon Energy Systems. The elimination of tax credits will also mean that consumers are at the mercy of utilities, who can raise their rates without limit.
The impact of this decision will be felt across the country, with states like California and Virginia already struggling to meet their renewable energy targets. In California, for example, power costs have risen by 34% since 2019, largely due to record-breaking wildfires that forced utilities to replace and strengthen their power lines.
As the solar industry struggles to recover from this blow, advocates are calling for lawmakers to take action to restore funding for these programs and ensure a smooth transition. "This is not just about the money," says Ryan Schleeter, communications director of The Climate Center. "It's about the people who are being hurt by this decision." With litigation already underway in several states, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will act to restore funding for these vital renewable energy initiatives.
the US gov just scrap billionz of funding for solar rooftop projects and its like a punch to the gut for ppl who were dependant on it lol brad praiileau was literally set to help 7500 fams install solar units but now its all gonna be scrap 
and lets be real this isnt just bout the money its about the ppl who r being hurt by dis decision 
The sudden cancellation of the Solar For All program has left me thinking - what's going on here? 
It looks like they're more worried about the big corporations than the regular people who are struggling to make ends meet. I mean, who benefits from scrapping billions of dollars in funding for solar rooftop projects? The fossil fuel industry, that's who! 
Oh man, I'm so frustrated 
with their electricity bills 
. It's like they're throwing money out the window 
! The cost of living is already too high 
, and now they're taking away the chance for people to save some cash 
️. And what about all the jobs that are gonna be lost in the solar industry? 
It's a big deal, and I hope lawmakers do something to fix this 
. We need to find a way to make renewable energy more affordable and accessible for everyone 
!
I'm really shocked by this news, it seems like a huge backwards step for the US. I mean, we're supposed to be one of the leaders in clean energy and now this? It's just not right. I've seen the impact of solar panels on my own community, how they can save people money and reduce their carbon footprint... it's amazing stuff.
I'm not sure what lawmakers can do, but they need to listen to the experts and the communities that are being affected.
. I'm really hoping that lawmakers will step in and restore some of this funding ASAP 
. We can't just keep kicking our climate goals down the road, you know? 
. And now you're telling me that this is going to lead to a massive job loss in the solar industry? That's devastating, man! I mean, who benefits from this decision? The fossil fuel lobby, that's who 
. We can't afford to let politics get in the way of progress here 
We need to prioritize sustainability and consider the impact on vulnerable communities. This isn't a zero-sum game, where one side wins and another loses; it's about finding a balance that works for everyone.
! I mean, I know we've been hearing a lot about climate change and the need to switch to sustainable energy, but this is just crazy. Scrapping billions of dollars in funding for solar rooftop projects and other renewable energy initiatives? It's like taking two steps back 
. We need to support our most vulnerable communities, not leave them hanging like this.
. I'm not saying they're doing it out of malice or anything, but come on! 
.
. I hope lawmakers step up and do something about this before it's too late 
I mean think about it, all those people were just gonna use more electricity anyway so who cares if they save a billion here or there? And let's be real, the solar industry is super unsustainable in the long run - it's all just a bunch of hype. Plus, it's not like this decision is gonna hurt anyone too much... people can just use less energy or something 
. It's not just about the money; it's about the people who are gonna be affected by this decision 
.
. We gotta keep pushing for sustainable energy solutions & hold our leaders accountable 
.