Why homeowners must act now to lock in federal incentives before they disappear

If you’ve been pondering BUYING or FINANCING your solar system, NOW is the time to take definitive action.

A significant storm brewing in Washington, D.C., could change the game for millions of homeowners nationwide, especially here in California. The House of Representatives has passed legislation that proposes accelerating the phase-out of the federal residential solar tax credit (also known as Section 25D). If the current proposal stands, the 30% credit that has made solar affordable for so many will vanish after December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than planned.

That gives homeowners approximately 3 months (or less) to install their system and have it fully operational to receive the tax credit before it disappears on 12/31/25.

“Fully operational” means your utility company grants permission to operate only after the city or county building and safety department approves it. So, waiting for inspections and approvals could push your project into 2026, and consequently, no 30% tax credit.

Kicking the can down the road could cost you 5 to 6 figures of long-term ELECTRIC BILL SAVINGS and INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE.

This isn’t fearmongering. It’s a reality check.

Yet, there’s also a real opportunity for those who act now—book your free quote here. Get your solar project going today.

Understanding Solar Ownership VS Solar Service

There are two types of solar homeowners:

✔️SOLAR OWNERS: Those who pay cash or finance qualify to receive the 30% tax credit.

✔️SOLAR SERVICE: Those who lease (DWP) or do a power purchase agreement (SCE), and do not have to come out of pocket or impact their debt-to-income ratio.

About The Solar Tax Credit for Homeowners Who Want to OWN their System?

For now, the U.S. Tax Code allows homeowners to claim 30% of their solar system costs as a federal tax credit, significantly lowering their out-of-pocket investment. This credit was extended through 2034 under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with a planned step-down beginning in 2033.

If the legislation passes as-is, December 31, 2025, becomes the new deadline with no exceptions and no safe harbor for homeowners. That means your system must be installed, permitted, and operational by December 31, 2025, to lock in your credit.

With permitting bottlenecks, contractor backlogs, and utility interconnection delays, you don’t want to wait until the last minute.

If the credit disappears, we’re not just looking at higher costs for homeowners. We’re looking at slowed renewable energy adoption, increased strain on our 100-year-old grid system, and thousands of lost jobs—at a time when we can least afford it.

About Homeowners Who Want to LEASE Their Solar Systems?

While the proposed changes mainly affect homeowners who purchase systems with cash or a loan (Section 25D), leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) rely on a separate tax credit: Section 48E. As of now, leases and PPAs are safe through 2025. However, they may also face changes soon depending on how the Senate modifies the current bill.

This could trigger a shift in the market, where more homeowners opt for leases or PPAs to avoid the higher upfront costs of purchasing. These options often require little to no money out-of-pocket, provide predictable energy bills, and offer long-term savings.

Why This Matters: The California Solar Economy at Risk

California is ground zero for solar energy. With over 2.1 million solar systems installed statewide, generating more than 18,000 megawatts (MW) of power, our state leads the nation in solar adoption. (Source: California Distributed Generation Statistics)

But this progress didn’t happen in a vacuum. It resulted from decades of bold, progressive policy, including the 30% federal tax credit, which helped homeowners, businesses, and local governments invest in clean energy.

California also supports more than 80,000 solar jobs—from installers, roofers, and electricians to engineers and sales professionals, local jobs that contribute to our economy and help accelerate the transition from fossil fuels.

Environmental and Social Equity at Risk

For many middle-income families, the federal solar tax credit has been a key driver of clean energy. It enabled homeowners to protect themselves from rising utility rates, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and build generational wealth through energy independence.

This proposal disproportionately impacts:

• Black and Brown communities are already overburdened by environmental injustices
• Seniors and families on moderate to fixed incomes
• Homeowners in historically underserved neighborhoods

Profile Of A Solar Lease Client

Eighty-five percent of my residential clients opted for the Power Purchase Agreement (AKA a Lease if LADWP customer). Why?

• “OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY”: Preferred using federal incentives to fully cover the cost of their solar system to avoid taking out a loan or dipping into their cash reserves.
• NOT INTERESTED IN DIY: Aside from the occasional cleaning, they prefer the premium warranties that expand maintenance, repairs, and replacement terms.
• ELECTRIC BILL SAVINGS: Substantial savings, no shocking summertime bills, and the freedom to redirect those savings toward other goals (vacations, home improvements, etc).

What’s Next?

While the bill has passed the House, it still needs Senate approval. The Senate has signaled a self-imposed deadline of July 4, 2025, to finalize negotiations. Solar companies, clean energy advocates, and community organizations are lobbying hard to preserve the 25D credit and other incentives.

Here’s What You Can Do Right Now

✅ Start your solar journey today
Book a consultation with Dowd Solar Group. We’ll help you determine whether buying, leasing, or a PPA is best for your household—and ensure you’re set up to qualify and get your home solar-ready well before the deadline.

✅ Spread the word in your community
Talk to your neighbors, church, school, family, and friends. Help others understand what’s at stake—and what they stand to lose if they delay. Plus, we offer $500 for each install you refer.

✅ Call your lawmakers
Reach out to your U.S. senators and ask them to preserve Section 25D and the broader package of clean energy tax credits. Visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov to find your representatives.

✅ Join the movement
Support organizations ensuring energy equity and environmental justice, especially in frontline communities across California.

The Sun Is Still Shining—For Now

We stand at a critical crossroads, with just 3 months to get your system to the operational phase. Many hands are involved in the journey, and each step takes time and consideration. If this legislation moves forward unchanged, it could set back the solar movement by a decade or more. But if we act boldly—and quickly—we can secure solar’s promise for ourselves, our children, and our communities.

Don’t wait.

The opportunity is NOW

🌞 Schedule your free consultation today.
📞 Call or Text: 619-750-8232
📩 Email: maria@dowdsolargroup.com