Rush on to install renewal energy units

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Developers and customers in the United States are reported rushing to install renewable energy projects by year's end to qualify for federal tax credits.

The flurry to beat the clock has meant a boom in the wind and solar industries where the credits can cut the cost of a large commercial system by 30 percent, USA Today said Tuesday.

Although there is considerable support in the U.S. Congress for a deadline extension, a partisan battle has tied up the matter and lawmakers have reduced the time left further with a planned early October adjournment, the report says.

The standoff has U.S. Senate Democrats insisting that the tax breaks, costing at least $1.7 billion a year, will be covered by new revenue and Republicans insisting on inclusion of offshore oil drilling, USA Today said.