SEIA Says Solar Still Cheapest Source Of Electricity, Australia Unveils Free Solar Plan - CleanTechnica

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) emphasizes that solar power remains the cheapest source of electricity in the United States, despite ongoing political and regulatory challenges. SEIA criticizes the current U.S. administration, particularly Energy Secretary Chris Wright, for favoring fossil fuels through substantial subsidies and policies that hinder renewable energy development. The association highlights that fossil fuels have historically benefited from massive, often hidden, government subsidies—over $16 billion in 2023 and $30 billion projected in 2024—while clean energy tax credits have been reduced. SEIA argues this creates an uneven playing field, contradicting claims of fair competition and free market principles. SEIA points out that fossil fuel subsidies include tax deductions for drilling costs and recent legislative actions that support coal, such as new tax credits for metallurgical coal and grants to extend the life of aging coal-fired plants. In contrast, solar energy continues to grow rapidly due to significant cost declines since the early 2010s, making it the most cost