It’s not the weekend yet, but in all the chaos of shutdowns and immigration raids taking our friends and neighbors, we need to have a story of hope, one that gives us hope. And it’s about renewables. Although EV markets are shrinking, renewable energy companies are racing to install solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries the size of shipping containers before federal tax credits expire.
Wind and solar projects must be under construction by July 2026 to be eligible for federal tax credits. True, it’s not even yet Thanksgiving, but eight months is closer than you think. These companies are ordering transformers, solar panels, and other hardware for such projects. For example, CleanCapital, a developer of solar and battery projects, bought about $25 million worth of solar panels and has them in storage for the demand it expects even as the new regime wants to go back to coal.
Speaking of coal, black lung victims who supported the return to coal are not getting the medical care they need. Told that they would be cared for, they voted for the candidate who said coal miners would be safe. Solar panel installers don’t get black lung and the cost of energy is cheaper than coal.
Prayer for the Day
Searching for hope in our bleak times,
We come to you, O God, for light in the darkness;
Seeking direction that only you can give,
We look to you, O Lord, guidance.
Give us, we cry, signs of rescue,
For we languish in desperation.
In the name of the One who is our rescue,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This rush is real. You’ll see an uptick [of solar projects] in the next two years, and then you’ll see a diminishment of that unless something changes.
Janet Granholm, Energy Secretary 2021-2025
We have never seen this kind of demand, ever.
Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDP Energy Renewables
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make melody, Awake my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
Psalm 108: 1-3