September 24, 2008 –The Senate passed a much anticipated tax package yesterday, which, amongst other things, renews the Investment Tax Credits (ITC) for alternative energy. This is a huge win for the renewable and clean tech industry, and frankly, we are surprised it didn’t hit heavier headwinds in the Senate vote – only 2 voted against the broader tax package. Perhaps its passage was a benefactor of a Senate that is focusing itself on the crisis in the financial markets and the proposed $700 billion bailout plan. Regardless, the passage of the extended tax credits will buoy the sector, drive growth and bode well for solar, wind, geothermal, clean tech, and other renewable energy companies. Under the bill, wind will get a single year of tax credit extensions, solar gets eight, tidal gets two. Buyers of PHEVs will get anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500 back.  The eight-year extension of the investment ...