A recent Wall Street Journal article (paywall) makes the case that even with the federal wind and solar tax credits being phased out under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, renewable energy technologies are well-positioned to thrive.
After decades of decreasing equipment costs and growing market share, wind and solar are no longer dependent on incentives to stay competitive. According to Lazard, utility-scale solar is now 84% cheaper than it was 16 years ago, while onshore wind costs have dropped 56% over the same period. Even when paired with battery storage, both technologies remain price-competitive with natural gas.
Industry experts cited in the article suggest the removal of subsidies could have long-term benefits: simplifying financing, encouraging further cost efficiency, and reducing boom-bust cycles created by Congressional policy shifts. With electricity demand on the rise—fueled by AI data center growth, electrification of vehicles and appliances, and increased export capacity—solar and wind are expected to remain central to future energy strategies.
SoDak Renewables agrees with the article’s key takeaway: renewables are no longer the “alternative.” They are a core part of our national energy future—and more resilient than ever.