The Rising Cost of Clean Energy: What Tariffs and Tax Rules Mean for Businesses

Over the past decade, the U.S. clean energy transition has been characterized by steadily declining costs for solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. Corporate buyers, utilities, and governments increasingly turned to renewables not only for sustainability goals but also for cost competitiveness. However, this trajectory has begun to shift. A combination of trade policies, tariffs, and new tax credit restrictions linked to geopolitical concerns is driving up costs for critical technologies. For businesses that rely on affordable clean power, particularly in energy-intensive industries, this shift has profound implications. The central question is no longer just how fast companies can decarbonize, but how they can adapt strategies to manage higher costs while maintaining competitiveness.

Policy and Market Shifts Driving Higher Costs

One of the most significant factors reshaping clean energy economics in the U.S. is the growing decoupling from China, which has long dominated renewable energy supply chains. China is responsible for nearly 80% of global silicon production, a material critical to photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and remains the world leader in manufacturing solar modules. The U.S., by contrast, currently produces only 1.9% of global solar panels. This dependence means that policies restricting imports from so-called “Foreign Entities of Concern” (FEOCs), which include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, immediately affect project costs.

The Reconciliation Bill introduced rules that make projects ineligible for certain tax credits if they involve participation from companies or supply chains connected to FEOCs. Even if tariffs were rolled back in the future, these restrictions represent a structural shift toward decoupling. For solar, the consequences are stark: higher costs per megawatt of installed capacity and potential delays in project deployment. Batteries, another sector where China dominates, face similar pressures. Wind energy appears somewhat less vulnerable due to stronger U.S. domestic manufacturing capacity, but even here, imported components are essential for scaling.

Business Implications of Rising Technology Costs

For companies in sectors with high energy demand, such as data centers, manufacturing, and logistics, the rising cost of renewable technologies has direct financial impacts. Payback periods for on-site solar installations lengthen, potentially reducing the attractiveness of corporate investments. Power purchase agreements (PPAs), which surged in popularity as renewables became cost-competitive with fossil fuels, may now present less favorable pricing, complicating long-term energy planning.

Sustainability commitments are also at risk. Many corporations have set ambitious Scope 2 emissions reduction targets, often relying on affordable solar and wind capacity to deliver. As clean energy procurement becomes more expensive, companies may need to weigh the trade-off between meeting climate goals and maintaining financial performance. This could create a two-tier system where larger corporations with significant resources continue to pursue renewables, while smaller businesses delay or reduce their commitments.

On a global scale, U.S. companies may face competitiveness challenges if international peers continue to benefit from cheaper access to renewable energy. Europe and parts of Asia, where supply chains remain more integrated with China, could see lower renewable costs relative to the U.S., influencing where global firms decide to invest in energy-intensive operations.

Alternative Pathways: Wind, Nuclear, and CCUS

While solar and battery costs are under pressure, other technologies present potential pathways for businesses seeking cost-effective clean energy. Wind energy, for example, remains a strong option. The U.S. has over 163,000 MW of installed wind capacity and several domestic manufacturers capable of supplying turbines. However, executive orders halting offshore wind leasing and limiting onshore development on federal lands threaten future expansion. Growth will largely depend on projects already under construction and state-level policy support.

Nuclear power is also re-emerging. Recent executive orders have accelerated the approval process for new nuclear plants, and projections suggest nuclear could account for 16% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. Although nuclear faces challenges related to financing, safety perceptions, and construction timelines, it offers businesses a reliable, low-carbon alternative to fluctuating renewable markets.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies represent another option. The U.S. leads globally, with 275 active and upcoming projects compared to 526 worldwide. With tax incentives such as the 45Q credit still intact, CCUS can help energy-intensive industries reduce emissions without depending solely on renewables. While not a substitute for clean energy generation, CCUS provides flexibility and could become an increasingly important component of corporate decarbonization strategies.

Strategies for Businesses to Navigate Rising Costs

For businesses navigating this new environment, proactive energy management is essential. Several strategies can help mitigate the impact of rising clean energy costs:

• Diversified procurement: Companies should balance solar, wind, nuclear, and PPAs to avoid overexposure to a single technology’s cost volatility.
• On-site generation and microgrids: Where feasible, investments in on-site renewable generation and microgrid systems can provide both cost savings and resilience.
• Demand-side efficiency: Reducing overall energy consumption remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for managing costs and emissions.
• Leveraging CCUS and RECs: Participation in carbon markets, renewable energy certificates (RECs), or direct investment in CCUS can provide compliance flexibility.
• Policy monitoring: Businesses should stay attuned to evolving federal and state incentives, particularly around nuclear and carbon capture, which may create new opportunities for cost-effective clean energy procurement.

Conclusion

The era of steadily falling renewable costs is giving way to a more complex landscape. U.S. tariffs, tax rules, and supply chain restrictions are increasing the price of solar, batteries, and wind components, challenging companies that depend on affordable clean power. At the same time, opportunities exist in wind, nuclear, and carbon capture, which together could form the backbone of a more diversified and resilient energy strategy. For businesses, the path forward lies in proactive planning: diversifying energy procurement, investing in efficiency, and closely monitoring policy changes. While rising costs complicate the transition, adaptive strategies can ensure that sustainability and competitiveness remain aligned in the years ahead.

References

• Energy Monitor
• US Congress
• IEA