Congressman Brian Higgins is calling the extension of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, set to expire next year, a major victory for Western New York.
Under the extension, homes and businesses installing solar energy will receive a 30 percent tax credit for the next five years.
Higgins said since it was implemented in 2006, the tax credit has helped solar energy become the fasted growing energy source in the United States.
With Solar City expected to become the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the Western Hemisphere, Higgins said the news is good news for Buffalo.
"This extention of the solar tax credit, builds confidence into the market to encourage consumers, both residential and commercial developers to choose solar and with that increased demand comes growth in the industry in jobs," Higgins said.
Solar City has committed to creating more than 1,400 jobs in Western New York and 5,000 jobs across the state.