Save the 30% Solar Tax Credit
- tperry37
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
Special Guest: Anya Schoolman
The biggest home solar tax credit is about to be axed by Congress. If you are thinking about solar, or just want to expand your system or even add a battery — this 30% tax credit will save you a lot of money. You will lose out on a tax credit savings of $9,000 on a typical $30k solar system. That’s a lot of dough!
Under the current reconciliation bill proposed by Congress, the 30% residential solar and battery tax credit will end on 12/31/25. If your solar or battery is not fully installed by then your system will cost 30% more.
This isn’t about tariffs, electric rates, uncertainty about the economy or local incentives. This is the one clean energy credit that makes solar affordable—and without it, the economics of solar and batteries for homeowners completely change:
💸 30% higher up-front costs
🚫 Higher home energy bills
🧨 More pollution from local fossil fuel power plants
🔌 Even higher utility bills as utilities shut down their biggest competitor: rooftop solar
On this week’s Energy Show we’re breaking down how this policy bombshell will affect everyone with a sunny roof over their home. Anya Schoolman, founder of Solar United Neighbors, is one of the leaders fighting to defend your solar rights.
If you’re thinking about solar or adding a battery, the 12/31/25 deadline is coming up fast. Experienced solar installers know that fall and winter weather slows down installations. Local building departments are not known for moving fast. And there are already top quality equipment shortages looming for Q4 installations.
Fortunately, Congress does respond to what citizens want. Especially when there is a grass-roots uprising against pocket book policies.
Complete the Action Form which makes it easy for you to tell Congress that you support rooftop solar.
You don’t even need to listen to the whole Energy Show podcast, but Anya and Barry have all the details. Just click play below, or tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
Transcript Below:
🎙️ Podcast Summary: Saving the Solar Tax Credit — Why It Matters and What You Can Do
🔆 Main Topic
Barry Cinnamon opens the episode with an urgent warning: the 30% federal solar and battery tax credit for homeowners is on the chopping block. Under a newly proposed reconciliation bill from Congress, the credit would be eliminated starting January 1, 2026 — leading to a 30% increase in solar installation costs for homeowners across the country.
⚠️ What’s at Stake
Barry breaks down the financial and environmental consequences of losing the tax credit:
A typical solar + battery project would jump from ~$20,000 to ~$29,000.
Homeowners face higher energy bills and fewer affordable clean energy options.
The move could devastate solar jobs, especially for local installers.
Utilities would gain more power to raise rates and weaken net metering laws.
👥 Guest Interview with Anya Schoolman
Barry welcomes Anya Schoolman, Executive Director of Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a nonprofit advocating for solar adoption and clean energy policies.
About SUN:
Represents over a million solar owners across all 50 states.
Operates as both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a 501(c)(4) advocacy group.
Currently leading the grassroots campaign to defend the 30% tax credit through email campaigns, call drives, postcards, and social media actions.
🗣️ Why Your Voice Matters
Anya shares a powerful example: a single solar homeowner's visit to Congress helped sway a lawmaker’s opinion. Her message is clear — constituent stories and calls do make a difference.
⏰ Timeline for Action
NOW: The House has released its draft bill eliminating the tax credit.
NEXT (June–August): The Senate will draft its version.
SEPTEMBER: Likely reconciliation and final vote.
⚠️ Solar installations typically take 3–6 months — so if legislation passes in September, it may be too late for homeowners to act before the credit disappears.
💡 Installer Insight
Barry warns that:
Fall and winter weather delays installations.
Q4 will bring equipment shortages as demand spikes.
The industry may not be able to meet last-minute installation requests before the deadline.
🛑 Political and Utility Roadblocks
Barry and Anya discuss the underlying political motivations:
38 House Republicans support ending the tax credit.
Utilities are pushing anti-solar narratives and legislation, falsely blaming solar for rising rates.
There's an intentional misinformation campaign tied to fossil fuel interests.
Utilities are also creating anti-competitive barriers, especially in states like California.
✊ What You Can Do
Anya urges listeners to:
Take action now to protect the tax credit.
Email and call your elected officials (especially in the Senate).
Join or organize advocacy events, like postcard parties or call banks.
🧡 Anya’s Origin Story
Anya got involved with solar in 2007 when her 12-year-old son and his friend wanted to “solve” climate change. They launched a solar co-op in their D.C. neighborhood, which grew into a national movement — proving that community-led efforts can spark massive change.
📢 Final Message
Act now to protect the solar tax credit. Tell your representatives to oppose the elimination of clean energy incentives. The clock is ticking — and your voice matters.
🌐 Take action here → https://act.solarunitedneighbors.org/a/keep-solar-momentum-going
🎧 Missed the episode? Catch it anytime at www.energyshow.biz
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