Are IRA tax benefits a viable option for energy storage facilities?

While the vitality of the IRA tax benefits in their current form is currently subject to uncertainty given the results of the 2024 federal general election, the existing market practice for financing energy storage facilities since the IRA’s passage continues to evolve in reaction to the act’s new requirements and opportunities.

How has the energy storage industry progressed in 2024 & 2025?

The energy storage industry has continued to progress over the course of 2024 and into 2025, buoyed in significant part by the federal income tax benefits in the form of tax credits enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).

Do energy storage projects qualify for a bonus rate?

Energy storage projects (i) not in service prior to Jan. 1, 2022, and (ii) on which construction begins prior to Jan. 29, 2023 (60 days after the IRS issued Notice 2022-61), qualify for the bonus rate regardless of compliance with the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

What are the New IRA rules for energy storage?

Energy storage was one of the major beneficiaries of the IRA’s new rules on both the deployment and manufacturing sides. The IRA enacted the long-sought investment tax credit (ITC) under Section 48 and 48E of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) for standalone energy storage facilities.

Do energy storage projects qualify for a new ITC?

Energy storage projects placed in service after Dec. 31, 2022, that satisfy a new domestic content requirement will be entitled to a 10% additional ITC (2% for base credit).

What regulatory guidance has the government released on energy storage?

Of particular importance to the energy storage industry, the government has released final regulatory guidance for the ITC (both Section 48 and 48E of the Code), prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements, and transferability and direct payment, as well as other guidance on the energy community and domestic content tax credit “adders.”