Peach Tree Times

Several Democrat lawmakers, including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), want to make it easier for homeowners and small businesses to have rooftop solar tiles installed as part of a push for renewable energy. 

Ossoff, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) introduced a bill that would allow solar tile systems to be included in the 26% solar tax credit, Reuters reported. The budget bill is expected to include some climate change measures in both energy and transportation industries that President Joe Biden has deemed a priority. 

"It's a new state of mind," Ossoff wrote in a Aug. 3 tweet. 

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) | Wikimedia

The current tax credit only covers the roof tiles. The bill would expand that to entire roofing systems that integrate solar power technology, Reuters reported.

Tesla and GAF Energy are among companies that have been selling solar roof tiles, which are installed like traditional roof shingles.

Industry leaders believe the limited scope of the tax credit is standing in the way of attracting other people who may otherwise be interested in installing a means to generate solar energy, Reuters reported. 

According to Reuters, the lawmakers believe there's a good chance the measure could be included in the Democrats' budget reconciliation bill. 

The article noted the solar investment tax credit is set to be phased out for residential systems in three years, but President Joe Biden has advocated for its expansion for another decade.