By Lena Babaeva Coradini

Alt energy industry groups are calling for an extension of the federal grant program providing incentives to U.S. wind and solar projects: 

The program, which covers up to 30% of the cost of alternative energy projects, delivers the funds to owners about two months after completion. The grant is responsible for more than 1,100 solar sites and more than 200 wind-power efforts across the country, comprising billions of dollars in investment, according to industry officials.

But a proposed one-year extension fell through in Congress over the weekend and is conspicuously absent from the tax deal announced this week.

Some are arguing that without the extension, the market for renewable energy companies and projects will diminish.