WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report from ACORE presents survey data from leading investors about the performance of tax equity structures and how they continue to play a significant role in financing clean energy projects.  

For more than two decades, tax equity has provided a stable private financing mechanism and an important source of capital for new clean energy projects in the United States. The U.S. clean energy industry now attracts over $45 billion in tax credit investments annually, of which more than $20 billion is provided by banks through tax equity arrangements. The report provides an expert look into how tax equity financing transactions are structured and the risks and returns associated with these deals.

Key takeaways from the report include:

• Overwhelmingly Positive Returns: An ACORE survey representing over 75% of the tax equity market showed that these investors typically receive a median 8.4% return on current investments.

• Minimal Downside Risk: Risks associated with recapture, foreclosure, and bankruptcy have been exceptionally low for tax equity investors.  

• Demand for Tax Equity Exceeds Supply: Tax equity is responsible for between one third and two thirds of a clean energy project’s overall financing, and about 45% of tax equity is provided by banks through tax equity arrangements. Demand for tax equity will accelerate as investors look to finance energy storage and other eligible technologies that continue to qualify for tax credits.

“This report reflects ACORE’s commitment to delivering solid, impartial insights from the entire span of the clean energy industry,” said Ray Long, President and CEO of ACORE. “Getting clean energy tax policy right is the key to ensuring the United States is ready to deliver the power needed for tomorrow’s economy.”

The Risk Profile of Tax Equity Investments: 2026 Edition, is available in full on the ACORE website.  

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About ACORE
ACORE is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that operates at the intersection of affordability, reliability, and clean energy deployment. Our work is focused on stabilizing energy prices, strengthening the electric grid, and driving investment in cost-effective technologies to ensure that clean energy delivers for people, businesses, and the U.S. economy.

ACORE’s membership includes clean energy investors, developers, energy buyers, power generators, manufacturers, and energy providers. In 2024, nearly 80% of the booming utility-scale domestic clean energy growth was financed, developed, owned, equipped, or contracted by ACORE members. For more information, visit www.acore.org.  

Media Contacts:

Chris Higginbotham
higginbotham@acore.org

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