The 30% Solar Tax Credit May End Soon

The 30% Residential Solar Tax Credit Could End Soon — What Wisconsin Homeowners Need to Know

The Future of the 30% Solar Tax Credit is Uncertain — Here’s Why It Matters for Wisconsin Homeowners

As Congress debates the next federal budget, one of the most important clean energy incentives in the country—the 30% Residential Solar Tax Credit—may be eliminated as early as January 1, 2026.

For homeowners in Central Wisconsin considering solar, this is a critical time to pay attention—and take action. Fill out our free estimate form today to ensure your project receives the incentive while it lasts.

What is the Residential Solar Tax Credit?

This tax credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the total cost of a solar energy system (including battery storage) from their federal income tax liability. It:

Covers residential solar installations and home energy storage
Saves thousands of dollars upfront
Makes solar more affordable and accessible across income levels
Can be rolled over to future years if you don’t have enough income tax liability in the first year

Since its creation, the Residential Solar Tax Credit has driven massive growth in U.S. clean energy—helping families lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and increase home value.

What’s Happening Now?

As of May 2025, Congress is reviewing budget proposals that include cuts to clean energy tax credits. If these cuts go through, the 30% Residential Solar Tax Credit could expire after December 31, 2025—years ahead of schedule.

This change could also impact other incentives, including:

Energy-efficient home upgrades
Electric vehicle tax credits
Heat pump installations

Who Will This Impact?

If you're thinking about going solar, this proposed rollback would directly affect you.

And for homeowners in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties, 2025 could be your last chance to stack additional savings. Through the Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy program—where Northwind Solar is the selected installer—you may qualify for exclusive, limited-time discounts in addition to the federal tax credit.

Without the 30% Residential Tax Credit:

Your upfront cost would increase by thousands
Your solar payback period would be longer
Your long-term savings would shrink

Bonus: Learn about the Group Buy Program

For many households, this could mean solar is no longer financially feasible. It would also slow Wisconsin’s progress toward energy independence and resilience.

We’re already seeing a surge in solar interest as people try to lock in their credit. If you want to be sure your project qualifies, now is the time to act.

Why This Isn’t Just About Solar — It’s About Our Energy Future

As Northwind Solar founder Josh Stolzenburg puts it, “The proposed cuts to clean energy tax credits are shortsighted and dangerous—not just for the climate, but for our country’s energy security and economic resilience.”

With electricity demand soaring due to EVs, electrification, and digital infrastructure, the U.S. needs more power—fast. Clean energy tax credits support solar, wind, and battery projects that are fast to build, cost-effective, and grid-friendly.

“Cutting these credits now undermines the very infrastructure we need to power our digital and electric future. It’s not just bad climate policy—it’s bad energy policy.” — Josh Stolzenburg

Take Action: Get in the Solar Queue Now

If you want to lock in the 30% solar tax credit, your system needs to be installed and operational by the end of 2025.

That means starting your project this summer.

Fill out our free estimate form today — it only takes a minute, and we’ll provide a personalized quote based on your home and energy goals.

Our team will design a custom solar system based on your actual usage and help you navigate all available incentives.

Let your friends, family, and neighbors know what’s at stake. The more informed we are, the stronger we’ll be in building a resilient, affordable, and clean energy future.

Together, we’re powering forward.

Northwind Solar

_________________________________________

UPDATE (June 17, 2025): Tax Credit Elimination Bill Advances

In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which includes a provision to eliminate the 30% Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit after December 31, 2025—seven years earlier than planned.

The Senate is now reviewing the bill, and a final vote is expected before the July 4th recess. If passed, the federal solar tax credit will end on January 1, 2026, making 2025 the last year homeowners can take advantage of this powerful incentive.

What This Means for You:

To lock in the 30% credit, your solar system must be fully installed and operational by December 31, 2025
Project demand is surging—installers are already booking out into fall
Act now to get on the schedule before capacity fills up

We’re keeping a close eye on Senate developments and will continue to provide updates. In the meantime, we encourage all interested homeowners to request an estimate and reserve your place in the solar queue.

____________________________________________

WPR (June 20, 2025): Time is running out for Wisconsin homeowners to make use of home energy tax credits

Read the article

< Older Post

Newer Post >

6 Ways Home Solar Energy Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

May 9, 2026

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, many homeowners are looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental impact without completely changing their lifestyle. One of the most effective and accessible solutions available today is home solar energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, households can generate their own clean electricity while decreasing their dependence on traditional power sources that contribute to environmental harm. Making the switch to solar is about more than just lowering monthly utility bills. It represents a long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and smarter energy consumption. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to conserving valuable natural resources, solar power plays a critical role in shaping a more eco-friendly future. As technology continues to improve and awareness increases, more homeowners are recognizing the value of investing in renewable energy. Understanding how home solar energy directly reduces your carbon footprint can help you make a more informed and impactful decision for both your home and the planet. 1. Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels One of the most important environmental benefits of home solar energy is its ability to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Traditional electricity generation depends heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas, which release harmful emissions when burned. These emissions contribute to air pollution and are a leading factor in global climate change. By installing solar panels, homeowners can generate electricity without relying on these polluting energy sources. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and readily available, making it a powerful alternative to conventional power generation. When more households adopt solar power, the demand for fossil fuels decreases, leading to fewer emissions and a cleaner atmosphere. In addition, reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps limit the environmental damage caused by extraction processes. Mining, drilling, and transportation of these resources can disrupt ecosystems and contaminate water sources. By transitioning to solar, homeowners actively support a shift away from these harmful practices. 2. Lowering Household Carbon Emissions Every home contributes to carbon emissions through daily energy use, whether it is running appliances, heating or cooling spaces, or powering electronics. When electricity comes from traditional sources, these everyday activities leave a significant environmental footprint. Home solar energy offers a way to dramatically reduce these emissions. Solar panels generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases, making them a much cleaner option. As homeowners rely more on solar power to meet their energy needs, they reduce the amount of carbon released into the environment. Over time, this reduction becomes increasingly meaningful, especially when combined with energy-efficient habits. Lowering household emissions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to improved air quality. Cleaner air supports better health outcomes and creates a more pleasant living environment for families and communities. By choosing solar energy, homeowners can play an active role in reducing pollution and promoting overall well-being. 3. Conserving Natural Resources Another key advantage of home solar energy is its ability to conserve natural resources. Traditional energy production relies on finite resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These materials take millions of years to form and are being consumed at a rapid pace. Their extraction and use can lead to long-term environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. Solar energy, on the other hand, relies on sunlight, which is an abundant and renewable resource. By using solar power, homeowners reduce the need for resource extraction and help preserve the environment. This conservation effort is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that future generations have access to the resources they need. Additionally, solar energy systems require relatively minimal water compared to traditional power plants, which often use large amounts of water for cooling and processing. By reducing water consumption, solar power supports more sustainable resource management and helps protect vital ecosystems. 4. Supporting Energy Efficiency and Grid Stability Home solar energy also contributes to a more efficient and reliable energy system. When homeowners generate electricity on-site, they reduce the demand placed on centralized power plants and the electrical grid. This decentralized approach helps minimize energy losses that occur during transmission and distribution. Improved efficiency means that less energy is wasted, which in turn reduces the overall environmental impact of electricity production. In some cases, excess energy generated by solar panels can be fed back into the grid, supporting a more balanced and resilient system. This shared energy model benefits both individual homeowners and the broader community. Pairing solar energy with energy-efficient appliances and smart home technologies can further enhance these benefits. By optimizing how energy is used, homeowners can maximize the impact of their solar investment while continuing to reduce their carbon footprint. 5. Encouraging Sustainable Energy Practices Adopting home solar energy often leads to greater awareness of energy consumption and encourages more sustainable habits. When homeowners begin generating their own electricity, they tend to become more conscious of how and when they use energy. This shift in mindset can lead to meaningful changes in daily routines. For example, homeowners may choose to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, unplug devices when not in use, or adjust their schedules to take advantage of peak sunlight hours. These small changes, when combined, can significantly reduce overall energy consumption and further decrease environmental impact. The influence of solar energy can also extend beyond individual households. As more people adopt renewable energy, it creates a sense of community awareness and encourages others to explore similar options. This collective movement toward sustainability amplifies the positive impact on the environment and helps drive broader change. 6. Increasing Long-Term Environmental Impact One of the most compelling aspects of home solar energy is its long-term impact. Solar systems are designed to provide clean, renewable energy for many years, making them a lasting solution for reducing carbon emissions. Unlike temporary energy-saving measures, solar power offers continuous benefits over time. As solar panels generate electricity day after day, the cumulative reduction in emissions becomes significant. This long-term contribution plays an important role in addressing climate change and supporting global sustainability efforts. The more homeowners invest in solar energy, the greater the collective impact on reducing environmental harm. According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the eligible system and installation costs for systems installed in tax years 2022 through 2032. This incentive makes it easier for more people to adopt solar energy, accelerating the transition toward cleaner energy sources and expanding the overall environmental benefits. Home solar energy provides a powerful and practical way to reduce your carbon footprint while contributing to a healthier planet. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering household emissions, conserving natural resources, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable habits, solar power offers a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility. It empowers homeowners to take an active role in creating lasting environmental change while enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy. As more homeowners embrace renewable energy, the collective impact becomes even more significant. Each installation represents a step toward a cleaner future, where energy is produced in a way that supports both people and the environment. Investing in solar is not just a personal decision; it is a meaningful commitment to sustainability and long-term change. If you are ready to take control of your energy use and make a positive impact on the environment, we invite you to explore your options with Northwind Solar. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our homes and communities.