Why it Matters

Solar Landscape LLC is doubling down on federal lobbying at a critical moment. The commercial rooftop solar developer has hired prestigious law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to lobby on taxation issues. This strategy adds elite technical expertise to their existing Republican-focused firm CGCN Group LLC. As Congress debates eliminating the solar tax credits that underpin their business model, this dual-firm strategy is crucial.

By the Numbers

  • Historical Spending: Solar Landscape spent $70,000 on lobbying in 2025 through CGCN Group.
  • Lobbying Team Breakdown:
    • External firms: Two (CGCN Group LLC and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP)
    • Issue focus: Taxation/Internal Revenue Code, specifically energy tax credits
    • New lobbyists: Two from Sullivan & Cromwell
      • Aharon Jeffrey Eric Friedman: Former Senior Tax Counsel, House Ways and Means Committee (13.5 years congressional experience)
      • Isaac Wheeler: Co-Head of Sullivan & Cromwell’s Tax Group (no congressional experience)

Broader Context

The 119th Congress is actively targeting solar incentives. H.R.4118 – Stop the Subsidized Green Energy Scam Act would fully terminate solar tax credits. The Senate Finance Committee released a reconciliation bill proposing to slash these incentives. A House Oversight Committee hearing highlighted growing concerns about IRA subsidies potentially costing $825 billion over ten years.

The Agenda

Solar Landscape is focusing on “Taxation/Internal Revenue Code” with specific attention on energy tax credits. The company hasn’t disclosed specific legislation targets but is navigating a complex environment where multiple bills threaten their core incentives. H.R.2838 – Ending Intermittent Energy Subsidies Act would phase out credits over four years, while H.R.4162 – Community Solar Consumer Choice Act would expand community solar programs that align with their mission.

Competitive Landscape

Solar Landscape joins extensive industry lobbying efforts alongside the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which leads trade association advocacy. Fellow rooftop solar companies like PosiGen Solar LLC are also lobbying on similar credits. Additionally, the Coalition for Community Solar Access focuses specifically on community solar provisions pertinent to Solar Landscape’s business model. Tax equity investors such as Monarch Private Capital LLC are defending the financing structures these projects depend on.

Between The Lines

Congressional activity reveals deep partisan divisions on solar policy. Rep. Josh Brecheen argued that tax credits “subsidize Chinese manufacturing,” while Sen. Chuck Schumer warned about job losses if credits are removed. However, certain Republicans show flexibility; Sen. Chuck Grassley has worked on more favorable transition periods for projects. A Senate Small Business Committee hearing highlighted that 75% of energy efficiency businesses are small businesses reliant on these credits. Furthermore, Maine solar companies are seeking Sen. Susan Collins’ help in protecting federal credits.

The Bottom Line

Solar Landscape’s hiring of Sullivan & Cromwell underscores the high stakes in tax policy debates. By integrating Friedman’s Ways and Means Committee experience and Wheeler’s technical tax expertise into their existing Republican-focused advocacy, they are gearing up for complex political and technical battles. This dual-firm approach suggests they recognize that the outcome of this fight will hinge on intricate details of tax legislation.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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