Rising Bills, Fewer Options: The Real-World Cost of Slashing Solar Tax Credits
There’s a myth being sold in Washington right now—and it comes with a hefty price tag.
Supporters of the so-called “one big beautiful bill” claim it’s about fiscal responsibility. But make no mistake: this bill would gut the 30% federal solar tax credit, slamming the brakes on America’s rooftop solar momentum. It’s a political giveaway to fossil fuel and utility interests—and a direct hit to the wallets of American families trying to lower their energy bills and build a more affordable future.
Higher Bills, Longer Payback, Fewer Choices
The federal solar tax credit has helped millions of households take control of their energy use—cutting utility bills and protecting against rate hikes. Without it, the payback period for rooftop solar will double in many states, putting clean energy out of reach for working- and middle-class families.
That’s exactly what utility and fossil fuel lobbyists want. For years, they’ve pushed a misleading narrative that solar customers aren’t paying their fair share. But here’s what we actually know:
- Rooftop solar reduces grid-wide costs by avoiding expensive investments and reducing peak demand.
- It strengthens reliability and resilience—particularly when paired with batteries.
- And it gives customers the freedom to make energy decisions that reflect their values and their budgets.
The real roadblock to fair rates? Utility shareholders get guaranteed profits while everyday people get stuck footing the bill for outdated infrastructure and dirty energy.
No Way Forward Without Solar
Here’s the reality: there is no practical solution other than solar and wind to meet the near-term surge in energy demand being driven by AI, data centers, electric vehicles, and electrification of buildings and transportation.
And over time, there is no affordable or scalable way to modernize our aging electric system and power a growing economy that doesn’t center solar and wind—especially local solar and storage solutions that leverage private investment and provide the flexibility our grid urgently needs.
Gut the solar tax credit, and you’re not just hurting families—you’re throttling the entire clean energy transition.
Stalling Solar Means Rising Costs and Lost Opportunity
By putting federal barriers in place that delay clean energy projects, we’re not saving money—we’re driving up costs here at home. Meanwhile, countries investing boldly in clean tech are outpacing us on jobs, innovation, and resilience. Eliminating the Federal solar tax credits hurts the near-term and long-term economic competitiveness of the United States.
We don’t have time to slow down. Rising demand and climate threats are already straining the grid. Local solar is one of the fastest, most affordable tools we have to meet that challenge and deliver clean, reliable power—everywhere, for everyone.
Even if Congress walks away from climate progress, state leaders don’t have to follow. Now more than ever, governors, legislators, and regulators must act to protect energy choice and local solar access.
This Isn’t Just About Solar. It’s About Power—In Every Sense of the Word.
We’re at a crossroads. Either we let fossil fuel interests and monopoly utilities dictate the pace and price of our energy future—or we choose local power, lower bills, and resilient communities.
Let’s stop pretending this bill is about fiscal responsibility. It’s about control—and it comes at the direct expense of families, workers, and small businesses leading the clean energy transition from the ground up.
It’s time to fight back.
What You Can Do Today:
- Contact your Congressperson and demand action to protect rooftop solar.
- Share your solar story to push back on misinformation and defend fair energy policies.
- Donate and help shape a future that works for people—not just utility profits. Vote Solar’s work to drive solar solutions at the state and local levels are more important than ever.