Solar Update for Businesses - Powering Forward
June 20, 2025
As Congress moves forward with budget reconciliation negotiations, the future of solar incentives for businesses is coming into focus — and the message is clear: change is coming.

Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond.
Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window
Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor"
provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025
— even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available.
Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better
Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost:
- 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components.
- Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects.
- MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions.
- Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses.
When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come.
Why Act Now
Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation.
Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today!
Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451
___________________
Additional Resources:
Additional Resources:

Northwind Solar is proud to continue its partnership as the official installer for the 2025 Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program , in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( MREA ). This initiative offers homeowners and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties an exceptional opportunity to invest in solar energy at below-market rates through a limited-time group purchasing program. However, a critical deadline is approaching. Recent legislative developments indicate that the 30% federal Residential Solar Tax Credit —a significant incentive that substantially reduces the cost of solar installations—may expire on December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than previously scheduled. This potential change underscores the urgency for homeowners to act swiftly to secure both the group buy discounts and the federal tax credit. “We’re excited to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” said Woody Bolton, employee-owner at Northwind Solar. “With the possibility of the federal tax credit ending soon, it's more important than ever for our neighbors to take advantage of these combined savings.” The Grow Solar program facilitates community members joining forces to leverage bulk pricing for solar installations, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. The program features free educational events, called Solar Power Hours, which help residents learn about solar energy, how it works, available incentives, and what to expect from an installation. “In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” said Evonne Waugh, program manager at MREA. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.” Since its inception, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has helped over 250 households and businesses make the switch to solar, adding nearly 2 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the local grid and generating millions of kilowatt-hours of renewable power annually. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! ATTEND A SOLAR POWER HOUR INFO SESSION
Share On: