The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Steven G. Zylstra
What a year it’s been for the state of Arizona. Our economy is transforming in a way many would have thought unimaginable just a few years ago, and it’s thanks in large part to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Since the passage of those laws, Arizona has seen more than $10 billion worth of investment in new clean energy projects, resulting in over 13,000 jobs. Just looking back at 2023, we’re already witnessing the surge take shape and make a real impact across the state. In January, JA Solar announced a new Phoenix-based manufacturing facility — its first in the U.S. — to manufacture PV modules (solar panels) for industrial use, as well as residential rooftop solar. In June, KORE Power received an $850 million investment to build an advanced cell battery facility in Buckeye that could help power more than 28,000 EVs per year. In August, Tempe-based First Solar also announced it’s going to construct a $1.1 billion facility to manufacture PV modules. That was followed by Viking Energy’s announcement that it had secured financing for a new solar-plus-storage project using IRA tax credits and First Solar will supply the PV modules for the project. In October, the American Battery Factory broke ground here in Tucson on its new gigafactory that will manufacture lithium batteries and create 1,000 new jobs in southern Arizona. The list goes on. Cities like Eloy, Coolidge and Casa Grande, plus the town of Patagonia are seeing new projects come online, new facilities being built and new jobs becoming available due to clean energy investments. All of this comes on top of what happened last year. In 2022, e-mobility companies like Scion Power, Li-Cycle and ElectraMeccanica announced expansions in Arizona. It’s safe to say that these technologies are here to stay, and they are thriving. But the IRA affects Arizonans’ wallets as much as the macroeconomy. The law provides a 30% tax credit for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits that want to invest in solar energy, cutting the sticker price of a decision that will also mean cost savings into the future. And Arizonans looking to buy a car before year’s end might want to consider an electric vehicle because the IRA offers a $7,500 tax credit to those who purchase an EV before Dec. 31. I’m excited to see what next year has in store for the Copper State. The investments we’ve seen — thanks in large part to legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act — promise to pay dividends, support job growth and lower consumer costs well into the future.
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Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
Arizona Daily Star
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Steven G. Zylstra
What a year it’s been for the state of Arizona. Our economy is transforming in a way many would have thought unimaginable just a few years ago, and it’s thanks in large part to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.Since the passage of those laws, Arizona has seen more than $10 billion worth of investment in new clean energy projects, resulting in over 13,000 jobs.Just looking back at 2023, we’re already witnessing the surge take shape and make a real impact across the state.In January, JA Solar announced a new Phoenix-based manufacturing facility — its first in the U.S. — to manufacture PV modules (solar panels) for industrial use, as well as residential rooftop solar.In June, KORE Power received an $850 million investment to build an advanced cell battery facility in Buckeye that could help power more than 28,000 EVs per year.In August, Tempe-based First Solar also announced it’s going to construct a $1.1 billion facility to manufacture PV modules. That was followed by Viking Energy’s announcement that it had secured financing for a new solar-plus-storage project using IRA tax credits and First Solar will supply the PV modules for the project.In October, the American Battery Factory broke ground here in Tucson on its new gigafactory that will manufacture lithium batteries and create 1,000 new jobs in southern Arizona.The list goes on. Cities like Eloy, Coolidge and Casa Grande, plus the town of Patagonia are seeing new projects come online, new facilities being built and new jobs becoming available due to clean energy investments.All of this comes on top of what happened last year. In 2022, e-mobility companies like Scion Power, Li-Cycle and ElectraMeccanica announced expansions in Arizona. It’s safe to say that these technologies are here to stay, and they are thriving.But the IRA affects Arizonans’ wallets as much as the macroeconomy. The law provides a 30% tax credit for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits that want to invest in solar energy, cutting the sticker price of a decision that will also mean cost savings into the future.And Arizonans looking to buy a car before year’s end might want to consider an electric vehicle because the IRA offers a $7,500 tax credit to those who purchase an EV before Dec. 31.I’m excited to see what next year has in store for the Copper State. The investments we’ve seen — thanks in large part to legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act — promise to pay dividends, support job growth and lower consumer costs well into the future.
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
Arizona Daily Star
Steven G. Zylstra is President and CEOof the Arizona Technology Council.Steven G. Zylstra is President and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.
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