Dive Brief:
- Republicans in New Hampshire's House of Representatives have passed a measure which would move $50 million out of the Renewable Energy Fund in order to address the state's budget issues, according to the Concord Monitor.
- The decision could slash rebates from the fund at a time when federal tax credits are set to fall, potentially endangering the state's burgeoning solar market, renewable energy advocates say.
- Opportunity in the state has attracted national installer SolarCity, which last month announced it would move into the New Hampshire market, adding to its New England markets of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Dive Insight:
As New Hampshire looks for ways to cut its budget, the state's Renewable Energy Fund has found itself on the chopping block. Advocates say removing $50 million to address budget issues could severely hamper the growing green market, but some lawmakers say they oppose using tax money for the energy rebates.
“I have always been concerned about taking money from ratepayers to fund individual projects,” Republican House Majority Leader Jack Flanagan told the Monitor.
Recognizing the state's potential, SolarCity began taking orders in New Hampshire last month. The company is already operating in 16 other states, including two others in New England. The company plans to open an operations center in Manchester.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), welcomes the company's decision in a statement. “This announcement means that good jobs are coming to New Hampshire in an important and growing industry," Shaheen said. "SolarCity is a great addition to New Hampshire’s diverse and innovative alternative energy sector that is creating jobs and saving consumers money, all while helping the environment.”
The Monitor reports it is unclear what will happen to the renewable fund; New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat, must sign still the budget, which would take effect in July.
