Dear Eartha, I heard the federal tax credit for solar might change. If I install solar this year, am I still eligible?

Great question — and one we’ve been hearing a lot lately from Summit County homeowners considering solar. With the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act being debated in Congress, there’s a lot of uncertainty around how it might affect clean energy incentives. The 30% federal tax credit has been a huge driver of solar adoption both nationally and right here in Summit County through programs like Solarize Summit. So, let’s break down what’s going on and how it could impact your savings.

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?

This proposed legislation is being described by supporters as the “largest tax cut in history.” But for those interested in clean energy, it could bring major changes. Among many revisions to the tax code, the bill proposes terminating the residential solar tax credit 180 days after it’s signed into law. That’s a dramatic shift from the current timeline, which guarantees the full 30% credit through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. But if the One Big Beautiful Bill becomes law, that timeline could be cut short by more than six years.

Where does the bill stand now?

As of now, the bill has already cleared one major hurdle: it passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, by a very narrow margin. The bill is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers have already proposed changes to the House version. 

Next, the Senate will finalize and vote on its own version of the bill, which is expected to happen by early July. If the Senate passes a version with amendments — which is very likely — a conference committee made up of House and Senate members will be formed to resolve the differences between the two versions. This negotiated bill, called a conference report, must then be voted on again by both the House and the Senate before it can be sent to the President’s desk for signature.

If signed into law in its current form sometime this summer, the 180-day clock would begin — giving homeowners just six months to install solar and qualify for the full federal tax credit. This means the credit could expire as early as 2026.

What does this mean for Summit County homeowners? 

Right now, the 30% federal tax credit is still fully in place, and that’s excellent news for anyone going solar in 2025. But if the bill becomes law, homeowners could have only six months to complete their installation in order to take advantage of the tax credit. 

Fortunately, Solarize Summit is designed to help homeowners move quickly and confidently. In addition to the federal tax credit, participants who sign a contract before July 31 can access up to $2,400 in combined incentives from High Country Conservation Center and the program’s installer, Active Energies Solar. But don’t delay, these incentives are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

The takeaway

The combination of the federal tax credit, local rebates and the streamlined Solarize Summit process makes 2025 one of the most affordable and impactful years to go solar.

While national politics can feel distant, the proposed federal changes could have real impacts here at home. By acting now, you can secure your solar savings, reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and be part of the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Have questions or want to explore your solar options? Visit HighCountryConservation.org or contact a local installer to see if solar is right for your home. The sun is shining — and your solar opportunity is right now.

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.