Renewable-energy mandates are actually bad for consumers. They’re not great for solar stocks, either.

Several U.S. states have implemented renewable-energy mandates that require utilities to source a percentage of electricity from renewable sources. According to analyses cited by energy policy observers, these mandates increase electricity costs for consumers in those states. The mandates typically require utilities to purchase renewable energy or renewable energy credits at costs higher than conventional generation, expenses that are passed to ratepayers.

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