Solar, Wind Companies Say Jobs Will Be Lost If U.S. Grants End

Jobs will be cut in the solar and wind industries unless a U.S. tax-grant program that companies have relied on is extended, renewable-energy advocates said.

Retention of the 1603 program, which gives developers grants equal to one-third of a project’s value, wasn’t included in the tax package negotiated by President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress. The program, now scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, was added to last year’s stimulus act to help companies unable to get financing during the financial crisis.