Alberta (Canada) slaps punitive tax on solar panels
The Alberta government has introduced a $14-per-panel recycling fee on solar panels, which critics argue is a punitive tax designed to hinder renewable energy development. The fee is significantly higher than those in other jurisdictions, leading to accusations of political bias against the green energy sector.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing political tension between provincial governments and the renewable energy industry regarding climate policy and economic regulation.
Never let it be said that the Alberta’s United Conservative Party government isn’t in favour of recycling stuff – at least as long as that can be used to create higher costs and more red tape to help strangle the development of renewable energy.
Yesterday, the UCP opened a new front in its War on Renewable Energy by adding a $14-per-panel “recycling fee” to the cost of solar panels.
Naturally, the government framed the effort as an example of environmental responsibility, claiming piously in a news release that “Alberta’s government will not allow solar panels to pile up in landfills across the province.”
With the new fee set to come into effect quickly, on Oct. 1, the province will also ban solar panels from landfills and “ensure they are directed toward reuse and recycling when they reach the end of their useful lives.”
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