Making Solar “Policy-Proof” - Building A Smarter, More Sustainable Energy Future - CleanTechnica

The article "Making Solar ‘Policy-Proof’ - Building A Smarter, More Sustainable Energy Future" by Chris Hopper, co-founder of Aurora Solar, discusses the solar industry's transition as the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—which provided a 30% tax credit for solar installations—begins to phase down after 2025. While the ITC significantly accelerated solar adoption in the U.S., many consumers still lack a clear understanding of its value. With incentives diminishing, the industry must now focus on innovation, efficiency, and reducing costs to sustain growth. This includes making solar easier to understand, faster to deploy, and less expensive to install, effectively making solar "policy-proof." Key challenges include high soft costs—such as permitting, customer acquisition, and overhead—that constitute nearly two-thirds of solar project expenses. The article highlights the potential of digital tools and automation to streamline design and installation processes, lowering costs and improving customer trust. Trust is crucial, as 41% of homeowners find it