TUCSON, Ariz. (May 31, 2024) – Senator Mark Kelly today joined Arizona State Sen. Priya Sundareshan and solar industry leaders from across Arizona in Tucson to celebrate the $10.5 billion in federal clean energy investment and incentives awarded to the state since 2021.
Sen. Kelly and President Biden have driven federal investment in Arizona’s industrial capacity, especially in the clean energy sector, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These landmark laws represent once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy technology and critical infrastructure.
Gov. Katie Hobbs established Arizona’s Office of Resilience (OOR) to leverage these investments,
enhancing access to solar power across the state with programs that include Solar for All’s recent award of $156 million in federal funds for Arizona. Combined, these programs championed by Biden, Kelly, and Hobbs are stimulating job creation, providing consumer benefits, and driving massive economic growth in the solar sector and clean energy economy while putting money in working Arizonans’ pockets.
The impact of these programs is clearly visible at Solar Gain, Inc.’s facilities in Tucson, with speakers and supporters highlighting new high-paying, family-sustaining jobs being added that are affirming southern Arizona’s leading role in renewable, affordable energy.
“Arizona is a leader in clean energy. And now, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, our leadership is being boosted with investments in development, manufacturing, and deployment of renewable energy,” said Senator Kelly. “These investments are creating good-paying jobs that Arizonans can actually raise a family on and strengthening our state’s position at the forefront of the clean energy transition.”
“We are grateful for Senator Kelly’s leadership in driving critical investments in clean energy through the IRA,” said Ben Bryce, EDF Senior Manager for State Affairs in the Southwest Region. “This transformative legislation has not only fostered growth for local businesses like Solar Gain, but also set a standard for clean energy development across the nation. In Arizona, the IRA has announced 12,720 clean energy jobs and $8.3 billion in investments. Arizona’s efforts set a benchmark for building a stronger, more sustainable economy and a healthier environment for all.”
Arizona State Sen. Priya Sundareshan, who represents Tucson, said the federal dollars represent an investment in the future of Arizona’s economy. “The sun is Arizona’s most abundant natural resource, and by investing in solar energy our state has the potential to become the solar energy capital of the country. Not only are we bringing good jobs to our state and building a 21st century economy, but we’re reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and creating a power grid that is both resilient and safe. I’m excited about the future for our state and our potential to become a leader in solar power.”
“The IRA has proven to be a game-changer for Solar Gain, propelling our business by reversing and expanding our customers’ tax credit cuts,” stated Robert Neifert, Director of Business Development at Solar Gain. “This legislation has not only bolstered our operations but has also revolutionized the advantages we offer our customers. With the IRA’s support, we’ve surged ahead, enlarging our workforce by nearly 50% and strategizing further expansions into residential solar, energy storage solutions, and the burgeoning electric vehicle charging sector. Solar Gain is not simply adapting to change; we’re leading the charge toward a brighter, cleaner energy future.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a critical lifeline to Arizona’s solar industry, which is a critical sector in the sunniest state in the country,” said Autumn Johnson, Executive Director at the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA). “Solar provides more than 8,000 jobs at 350 companies in the state and $1.8 billion in annual investment. The Solar for All award is essential to Arizona’s rooftop solar industry and other IRA investments are contributing to dozens of new utility scale projects in development across the state.”
“Thanks to the IRA’s solar tax credits, homeowners in southern Arizona are now in an excellent position to invest in rooftop solar,” noted Adrian Keller, Arizona Program Director at Solar United Neighbors. “The 30% tax credit significantly lowers installation costs, making solar energy more accessible than ever. For a typical system, this could mean savings of over $7,500, and throughout the system’s life, homeowners could see remarkable savings on their electricity bills. These incentives represent a major step forward.”
The event was sponsored by Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Arizona Chapter and EDF Action.