The State of Solar in 2025: Why the Best Time to Go Solar Is Right Now
If you’re considering solar for your home, now is the time to pay close attention. The U.S. solar industry continues to expand, but recent developments in Washington could have a major impact on how affordable solar remains—especially for homeowners.
While solar energy is still one of the smartest and most sustainable choices you can make, a new federal bill could significantly increase costs for residential installations in the near future.
Here’s what you need to know, and why taking action today may be the most cost-effective decision you can make.
Solar Power Remains a National Leader
In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. solar industry installed 10.8 gigawatts (GWdc) of new capacity—making it the fourth-largest quarter on record. Solar accounted for 69% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the grid during this period, outpacing all other energy sources by a wide margin.
Residential solar alone contributed over 1.1 GWdc in Q1, a strong showing despite challenges such as high interest rates and general economic uncertainty. This confirms a clear trend: homeowners across the country are continuing to turn to solar energy as a reliable, long-term solution for reducing energy costs.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” and What It Means for You
In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a major energy policy proposal—informally referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” While the legislation covers many areas, one of its most critical provisions for homeowners is the elimination of the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar installations.
For years, this tax credit has made solar more accessible and affordable. Removing it would instantly increase the total cost of a solar system by as much as 30%, pricing many homeowners out of an energy solution they were previously able to afford.
The bill would also implement stricter timelines for project qualification, requiring that solar systems begin construction within 60 days and be completed by 2028. These tighter restrictions could disqualify many planned projects from any remaining incentives, especially in residential markets where permitting and installation timelines can vary significantly.
Why Acting Now Makes Financial Sense
With the proposed changes still working through the legislative process, there is a limited window of opportunity to take advantage of current solar incentives. Here’s why acting now is so important:
- Lock in the current 30% federal tax credit before it is potentially eliminated.
- Avoid price increases driven by reduced incentives, supply chain disruptions, or installation backlogs.
- Maximize your long-term savings by starting your solar project before these policy changes take effect.
Waiting could mean thousands of dollars in additional costs for the exact same system.
Solar Is Here to Stay, But Costs May Rise
It’s important to understand that solar energy itself is not going away. With continued growth in utility-scale projects, rising corporate demand for clean power, and long-term goals to decarbonize the grid, solar will remain a key part of the U.S. energy landscape.
However, the affordability and financial accessibility of residential solar may change dramatically if current tax incentives are removed. For homeowners looking to take control of their energy bills and invest in renewable power, the time to act is now.
Conclusion
While the solar industry continues to grow and lead the transition to clean energy, proposed changes in federal policy could make residential solar significantly more expensive in the near future. For homeowners, this is a critical moment. By acting now, you can take advantage of current incentives, secure long-term savings, and protect yourself from rising energy costs and policy uncertainty.
Solar power isn’t going away, but the opportunity to go solar at today’s prices might. The smartest move you can make is to take control now, while the benefits are still within reach.
