The Inflation Reduction Act has drawn a lot of attention over the past week as it flew through the Senate and House and was signed into law Tuesday. On Wednesday U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and the Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (GASEIA) talked about the benefits of the new legislation on Georgia’s solar industry and economic development.
“Considering the challenges that COVID presented the industry, our members are extremely happy with the signing of legislation that includes Senator Ossoff’s Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to boost the growth of the industry and increase production,” said Pete Corbett, President of Georgia SEIA. “This has been a great year so far for the solar industry.
“The Georgia Public Service Commission has been very engaged on GASEIA issues and now there is federal legislation that will benefit Georgia and its solar providers for many years to come. Ultimately this will bring more jobs, economic development, and solar energy to Georgia,” Corbett added.
Georgia, which currently ranks 7th in the nation for solar installations, has already experienced\workforce and economic benefits of a thriving solar industry, according to information released by Georgia SEIA. By 2024, it is projected Georgia will be 4th in solar production. The state is home to nearly 200 solar companies and supports approximately 4,500 jobs. Further, Georgia has seen $4.9 billion in investments from the solar industry and projections show the state can add almost 2,000 megawatts of solar over the next five years.
Georgia has been recognized for leading the way in solar manufacturing, as Dalton hosts Qcells, the largest solar manufacturing facility in the Western hemisphere, which just announced a $171 million expansion with 470 new jobs.
“The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act will make supply chains more resilient, energy more affordable, and dramatically lower carbon emissions,” said Scott Moskowitz, Head of Market Strategy and Public Affairs for Qcells North America. “It will directly result in billions of dollars in investment and the hiring of thousands of manufacturing workers in Georgia and around the country. SEMA is a landmark bill and its passage marks a critical turning point for the entire clean energy industry.”
Ossoff first introduced the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) last summer. He said this new law will strengthen American energy independence, reduce dependence on
Chinese imports, and reinvigorate the U.S. industrial sector — creating American jobs and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
“Today the President signed into law my legislation to supercharge American solar manufacturing and innovation,” Ossoff said. “Amidst skyrocketing demand for these strategic renewable energy technologies, America should lead the world in their production, and Georgia can lead the nation.”
