Demand for solar panels exceeds supply

The sun may set early on anyone trying to take advantage of expiring solar-energy tax credits this year.

Many solar manufacturers and installers say they can’t take on more jobs for 2008 because they’re either out of panels or out of time.
“From the manufacturing perspective, we’re sold out,” said Tom Mueller, a spokesman for
BP Solar in Houston.

Residents and businesses throughout the Valley need to install photovoltaic panels this year to take advantage of federal alternative-energy investment tax credits before the credits expire on Dec. 31. The solar tax credit covers 30 percent of a system’s cost, but it will drop to 10 percent Jan. 1 if Congress doesn’t act after it returns Monday.

Arizona Republic