Imagine a program that would effectively cut the cost of home solar energy systems in half, nationwide. That’s just what the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is advocating. Following on the heels of the Department of Labor’s announcement last week of $100 million in grants for green-jobs training programs, and President Obama’s announced $2.4 billion in renewable-energy manufacturing tax credits, the SEIA is hoping Congress will boost the allowable federal tax credit for residential solar installations.

As it stands, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) permits homeowners who install solar energy systems to receive a 30 percent personal tax credit. (The ITC also applies to businesses, while a separate federal program allows companies to receive a renewable energy grant worth up to 30 percent of installed costs, for systems installed in 2009 and 2010). Without a doubt, raising the ITC to 50 percent for 2010 would make solar energy a viable energy solution for more individuals than under the business as usual case. This would mean more economic activity and more solar power — two things many people think this country needs more of these days.

Whether a 50% ITC is politically feasible is anybody’s guess. But it can’t hurt to try. If you’d like to help, visit SEIA’s section on Government Affairs and Advocacy. Write your representative and let them know you’d like to see the ITC raised to 50 percent for residential solar installations.

Stay tuned on the GetSolar blog for more updates.