The federal solar tax credit ends after December 31, 2025. That means solar panels will no longer be a viable investment for homeowners, right?

Wrong. It’s still one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your home.

With falling solar panel costs, rising electricity prices, and the growing importance of personal energy independence, solar continues to deliver major financial benefits in the form of tens of thousands of dollars in savings—with or without the tax incentive. Most homeowners starting their solar journey today can expect to break even within about 10 years, then continue to enjoy at least 15 years or more of free electricity.

Solar still pays for itself—and then some. Here’s how the math works.

Solar prices keep falling as electricity rates climb

Solar prices remained at an average of $2.53 per watt—$29,649 for the average-sized system—in the first half of 2025, the lowest price on record, according to EnergySage data. This represents a dramatic decline from the early 2000s when the average system would’ve cost you nearly $90,000. Even accounting for recent tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the long-term trend remains decisively downward.

Meanwhile, electricity costs are heading in the opposite direction.

"We're entering this era where electricity prices are almost certainly going to rise across the country," Michael Thomas, founder of Cleanview, a platform that tracks clean energy trends, told EnergySage. "They've already risen as much as 30% in a year in a state like Maine recently, and we're looking at electricity price increases of 10, 15, 20% across most states this year."

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. residential electricity prices to average 16.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2025, up 2% from last year. Even more concerning for homeowners, residential electricity rates are projected to rise between 15% and 40% by 2030, according to the ICF Climate Center, and could double by 2050.

This divergence creates a widening gap that makes solar increasingly attractive.

"When you install solar panels you lock in a guaranteed price of your electricity, and you get discounted or free electricity for a very long time," Thomas explained. While your neighbor's electric bill keeps going up, yours will remain flat.

The new payback reality: Longer but still profitable

Without the 30% federal tax credit, solar payback periods will extend by roughly two years, according to Zoe Gaston, principal analyst at consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. This would push the average payback period they see from seven to nine years.

"So yes, that's two years, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not too significant,” Gaston said.

She’s referring to the fact that solar panels come with 25-year warranties and often last 30 years or more. Even with the extended payback period, homeowners can expect 16 to 20 years of free electricity after breaking even on their solar investment.

”Folks should run the numbers and see what it looks like,” Thomas said. "In some cases, you might be surprised if you see electricity rates are going to rise 10% every year for the next five years, and then calculate how much you might save with solar," he said. "It might look really good."

Not to mention, the federal tax credit isn’t the only solar incentive out there—many states and utilities still offer their own that can further reduce your payback timeline.

Why electricity prices won't stop climbing

The forces driving electricity prices higher show no signs of abating. Data centers powering artificial intelligence are driving unprecedented electricity demand, with consumption expected to increase 130% by 2030. The Energy Department projects data centers will use more electricity than households for the first time ever next year, putting extreme pressure on our aging power grid.

"We have an outdated electric grid that's just not big enough for the types of things that are happening in the economy right now—data centers, electrification, reshoring of manufacturing," Thomas said. "That ultimately requires investment from utilities, and they pass that on to customers in the form of [higher] rates."

Add natural gas costs that jumped more than 40% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, and you have a recipe for sustained price increases. "Any way you look at it, gas-fired power is expensive," John Quigley, senior fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, told NPR. "It's going to be increasingly expensive as natural gas exports increase."

Equipment costs and soft costs: Room for improvement

While equipment prices have fallen dramatically, climate activist Bill McKibben said there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“The real problem here is that solar costs us three times as much as it does in Europe or Australia," McKibben said.

One of the culprits? Soft costs—things like permitting, interconnection, and paperwork—which account for about two-thirds of installation costs.

“There are 15,000 building departments and municipalities in this country, and each has a building department who would like to climb on your roof. It’s not necessary—doesn’t happen elsewhere in the world,” said McKibben. “If we could knock that down, the price [of solar] would plummet.”

Fortunately, there is some progress being made in some states—both Texas and Florida passed bills in 2025 that will make the permitting process much smoother.

"That's good from both the consumer experience—you don't have to wait as long, you don't do as much paperwork—but most critically, it's going to drive down these so-called soft costs of solar," Thomas explained.

Battery storage costs have also plummeted, falling about 75% over 15 years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

"Storage prices are really falling because we're seeing the price of battery packs fall across the world, as more people are buying EVs and installing solar and storage," Thomas said. "That's driving the cost down, and consumers benefit from that."

Improved financing options keeps solar accessible

For homeowners concerned about upfront costs without the tax credit, leasing options may provide a solution. A confluence of factors like high interest rates, tax policy changes, and economic uncertainty now make outright ownership more expensive—which makes third-party ownership (TPO) options, including leasing and power purchase agreements (PPAs), more attractive. Gaston said without the solar tax credit, she expects more homeowners to shift toward TPO options.

“The third-party ownership share was about 56% in Q2 of 2025. Looking ahead at our forecast, I expect that to jump to about 70% in 2026,” she said.

With TPO systems, the solar company owns the system, while you benefit from the energy it produces. A key factor: Solar companies can still claim the federal tax credit beyond 2025. It only expires for homeowners this year.

"For the next few years, leases are still going to make a lot of sense because the way the tax bill was written enables [the solar company] to still qualify as a business for the tax credit," Thomas explained. "They will be able to pass that on in the form of cheaper lease rates to consumers."

While solar ownership typically provides better long-term returns, leases eliminate upfront costs and still deliver immediate savings on electric bills—making solar accessible even without the federal tax credit. Solar loans often don't require a down payment either, but if you aren't comfortable taking on a high-debt load, a lease is also worth considering.

Gaston said the elimination of the federal tax credit is also innovating the TPO space, including a new rent-to-own model for solar panel systems that works similarly to leasing a car and purchasing it later.

“There's a lot of hype about prepaid TPO options. The TPO provider owns the system, they claim the tax benefits, but then they pass on the savings to the homeowner as a discount upfront,” Gaston said. “Then the homeowner, after a certain number of years, has the option to purchase the system and own it themselves."

Going solar still makes sense

Losing the 30% federal tax credit undeniably makes solar more expensive upfront for those who want to own their systems. But with electricity rates rising faster than general inflation, equipment costs continuing their downward trajectory, and grid instability increasing, the fundamental value proposition of solar remains strong.

"It's a personal financial decision that everyone has to make for themselves," Thomas said. But the math increasingly favors solar—even without federal support.

If you’re thinking of waiting to see if solar prices drop further, McKibben would advise otherwise.

"I think it's like planting fruit trees. The best time to do it was 20 years ago, and the next best time is today,” he said. “This still just makes bottom-line sense in all kinds of ways, including not a small thing that you're helping prevent the destruction of the planet that we happen to live on."

Every month you delay, you're betting that electricity prices won't continue their decades-long climb while missing the opportunity to lock in predictable energy costs. The federal tax credit may be ending, but the economics and ethics of generating your own clean power to escape rising utility rates and better the planet remain as compelling as ever.

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The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for customer-owned residential systems expires December 31, 2025. With most installers at capacity through year-end, the credit is no longer accessible for most homeowners. But if you're among those who can install your system before that deadline, there's good news: You can still roll over any unused portions of your credit to future tax years until you've claimed every dollar.

For homeowners who install solar before the December 31, 2025 deadline, this rollover provision means you won't lose out on tax savings just because you couldn't use the full credit in one year. Whether you're a retiree with a modest tax bill or someone installing a large system generating a substantial credit, you'll eventually capture the full value—as long as your system is operational by December 31, 2025.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide an informational overview of the federal solar tax credit rollover for interested homeowners. It is not intended to serve as official financial guidance. Readers should consult with a licensed tax professional about their specific situation.

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Yes, you should be able to roll over unused solar tax credits indefinitely

One misconception about the solar tax credit is that you can't take advantage of it if you can't use it all in one year. This can give some homeowners pause when thinking about going solar, especially retirees or others with lower tax bills who worry they'll "waste" part of the credit.

While the IRS could release updated guidance, as of now, a tax expert told EnergySage that the federal tax code allows you to carry forward unused credits to future tax years until you've claimed every dollar. Right now, there's no time limit on this rollover provision—as long as your system is installed by December 31, 2025.

What does this look like in practice? Say you install a $29,649 solar panel system in 2025—the average-priced system on EnergySage. It qualifies for an $8,895 tax credit, but you only owe $4,000 in federal taxes that year. You'd claim $4,000 of the credit in 2025, reducing your tax bill to zero. The remaining $4,895 would then roll over to 2026, and you'd continue rolling over unused portions year after year until you've claimed the full $8,895.

This rollover feature is especially valuable for those who don't owe much in federal taxes annually, like people on fixed incomes or retirement. Even high earners may need a few years to fully use their credit if they install a pricier system that might generate a $15,000 credit, for instance.

The only catch is that you need to actually owe federal taxes to use the credit. It's nonrefundable, meaning you can't get money back if your credit exceeds your tax bill. But there are no income limits or caps on the credit amount. There's also no cap on the cost of the system, so whether your solar installation costs $100,000 or $25,000, you can still claim the full 30% credit.

How rollovers work in 2026 and beyond

While you can roll over credits from systems installed in 2025, no new credits will be generated after the deadline. This creates an interesting situation: You'll be claiming a credit that technically no longer exists.

Generally speaking, existing rollover rights remain intact even after the tax credit expires, according to a tax attorney consulted by EnergySage. The federal tax code's carry forward provision doesn't have an expiration date, so you should be able to keep rolling over those 2025 credits indefinitely.

It's possible the tax form you currently use to claim the credit (Form 5695) could disappear after 2025, but it's unlikely. Even if the standard form goes away, you should still be able to claim rollovers through other tax documentation methods. It may end up being more complicated without the form, though, so consider working with an accountant to make sure you're maximizing your savings.

Keep in mind that the solar tax credit is different from some other tax credits that have strict expiration dates, so your rollover should be protected because it's based on a real system installed during the tax credit's active period.

Do solar leases or PPAs qualify for the rollover?

Here's where some homeowners get tripped up: You only qualify for the tax credit—and the rollover benefits—if you actually own your solar panel system. That means buying it with cash or financing it with a loan.

If you lease solar panels or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), the solar company owns the system and claims the credit, not you. While you miss out on the direct tax benefits and rollover flexibility, third-party ownership options are becoming more attractive, especially now that the residential tax credit is expiring. Third-party owned systems continue to qualify for commercial solar tax credits if they begin construction before July 2026 or are placed in service by 2028, and competitive providers typically pass those savings through to you as lower monthly rates—giving you indirect access to tax benefits.

The choice between purchasing and leasing comes down to your priorities: ownership and maximizing long-term savings versus capital flexibility and simplicity. Both paths can deliver meaningful electricity bill savings.

If you choose to finance your system with a solar loan or a home equity loan, loan payments are most likely not due by this year's deadline, according to the tax expert EnergySage consulted. As always, speak with a licensed tax professional to confirm what you can claim for your specific installation.

Why the rollover matters for your solar investment

The solar tax credit has been a cornerstone of American clean energy policy for two decades, helping millions of families reduce their energy costs while building a more sustainable future. With the ability to roll over unused credits indefinitely, homeowners who installed systems before the December 31, 2025 deadline have a strong safety net—even those with modest tax bills can eventually claim the full credit value over multiple years.

Solar installations typically take two to three months from signing the contract to connecting your system to the grid. While some installers may still have capacity to complete installations before year-end, many are fully booked. For those who can still secure installation, the rollover provision ensures you won't lose value if you can't use the full credit immediately.

But it's important to remember that solar's value extends far beyond the tax credit. Most homeowners save between $37,000 and $148,000 over 25 years by going solar. You'll protect yourself against rising utility rates (which have increased 32% over the past decade) and increase your home value—benefits that remain long after the credit expires.

We all look forward to the day we can finally retire. It’s easy to romanticize a life free from the daily grind, where you can fully enjoy hobbies, time with loved ones, and the freedom to do as you please. But a stress-free retirement requires a lot of planning and saving. Unlike your salary, your bills won’t disappear once you stop working. Without a steady paycheck, your investments become essential to running your household. 

Establishing a secure financial future for your retirement means exploring a variety of savings options—including solar panels. Many homeowners don't realize that installing a solar panel system can be one of the smartest retirement investment strategies, especially given today’s rising electricity rates. By viewing a home solar panel system as an investment opportunity, homeowners can reduce or even eliminate their electric bills, freeing up that cash for what matters most. 

“A key thing for retirees to consider is cash outflow because you no longer have a cash inflow from a job,” said Jeffrey Walker, who went solar through EnergySage in 2021. “I looked into solar as I noticed what was happening to electricity prices. Now that I’m retired, it certainly helps reduce monthly expenditures on electricity.”

Home solar is a low-risk investment with strong returns

To ensure financial stability, retirees and those planning their retirement generally invest in lower-risk options. Solar panels are a natural fit: They provide steady, increasing returns—similar to the high returns associated with traditional investments like stocks and bonds—but without the unpredictable fluctuations of those markets.

Solar has many financial benefits, including reduced electric bills, protection from future price increases, boosted home value, additional income streams, and tax-free savings. 

Solar reduces or eliminates electric bills

Your solar energy system can generate up to 100% of your electricity needs, eliminating electric bill costs and freeing up more cash every month to spend or invest elsewhere. 

That said, it’s important to note that even if you don't owe money on your electric bill, you'll still receive an electric bill if you're connected to the grid. 

Solar protects against future price increases

Utility electricity rates are turbulent. Over the past 10 years, they've increased by over 38%—and thanks to today’s growing electricity demands, they're only expected to continue increasing. 

By generating your own electricity, rather than buying from your utility, you can protect yourself from unpredictable rate increases for the lifetime of your solar energy system—generally 25 to 30 years. 

Solar increases the value of your home

Installing a solar energy system is an investment in your property. Multiple studies have shown that homebuyers are willing to pay more—about 5-10% according to the latest study—for homes equipped with solar panels.

You may generate additional income with solar

If you live in a state with a market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), you can earn extra money by selling them. It works like this: A utility company purchases the right to “count” your panels’ electricity towards their renewable generation. Selling SRECs is one of the best solar incentives available. 

The benefits of solar investments aren't taxable

Unlike returns from more traditional investment vehicles, your financial returns from solar come in the form of monthly savings, not income (with the exception of SRECs), meaning they are not subject to taxation.

Creative financing can mean big savings

Thanks to the growing availability of $0-down solar loans, homeowners who don’t have cash on hand—or who, like Jeffrey, prefer to keep their money invested—can still leverage solar as a smart retirement strategy. 

When Jeffrey went solar, it made more financial sense for him to finance the system rather than pay upfront using cash from his investment portfolio. “I didn't want to reduce my portfolio that generates interest, dividends, or appreciation in stock prices,” he explained. Instead, he secured a loan with an interest rate low enough that his investments could continue earning more than he’d pay in financing. 

Generally, buying your system outright with cash provides the greatest long-term savings. However, as in Jeffrey’s case, financing your system with a low-interest loan—or signing a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA)—may make more sense if your cash is better invested elsewhere. Ultimately, the best option depends on your individual circumstances.

You can finance your system in one of three ways:

1. Buy the system outright

If you have a CD or other recently matured investment, using that cash to purchase a solar energy system can be a smart way to reinvest it. In 2025, the average EnergySage homeowner reaches payback in just about 10.5 years.

Paying upfront means avoiding interest altogether—you keep 100% of the system’s financial benefits. And with today’s high interest rates, that’s often the most lucrative financing option. Even Jeffrey, who initially chose a solar loan, eventually paid off his system in full. “The rates that I started with were incredibly low,” he said. “But then, as interest rates shot up, it became very expensive. At that point, I just paid off my loan and essentially paid for the panels outright.”

2. Buy the system with a solar loan

If you can't or don't want to pay for the system in cash, many banks and other financial institutions offer $0-down, low-interest solar loans to help with your purchase. Monthly payments are often lower than your monthly electric bill, enabling you to save money right away. Homeowners retain 40% to 70% of the financial benefits of their system with a solar loan, depending on the loan terms.

“If the [monthly loan payment] is less than what you would pay on average for electricity costs, then that’s an immediate benefit,” Jeffrey offered. “In the longer term, it becomes a very positive event in terms of eliminating or dramatically reducing your cash flow outflow to pay for electrical bills once you pay off the investment.”

3. Sign a solar lease or PPA

If you choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you often won’t pay anything upfront. Instead, a third-party owner charges you a monthly rate or per-kilowatt-hour rate for the electricity they produce. This will likely result in 10% to 20% savings on your electric bill for the duration of your lease agreement. 

For many retirees, a lease or PPA offers practical advantages. You preserve capital for other investments while starting to save on day one. The solar company handles all maintenance and system performance, eliminating unexpected repair costs. And since these third-party owned projects still qualify for the federal solar tax credit (which should get passed to you through lower rates with the right provider), you benefit from incentives even if you don't have the tax liability to claim them directly.

The trade-off is lower lifetime savings compared to ownership. You also won't benefit from increased home value or state-level ownership incentives. But if you prefer simplicity and want to keep your capital flexible, a lease or PPA can still deliver meaningful monthly savings.

A bright retirement starts with solar

Retirement should be about enjoying the years you’ve worked so hard for—not watching rising electricity bills eat away at your fixed income. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening to millions of retirees as utility rates skyrocket year after year. 

Solar delivers something invaluable: energy independence. Switching to solar shields you from unpredictable utility rate hikes, protecting more of your savings for the things that truly matter. With typical savings ranging from $37,000 to $148,000 over 25 years, solar helps ensure your retirement funds last as long as you need them to.

"Our electric bills for air conditioning used to be astronomical in summer, and now we still have energy credits going through the whole summer,” Jeffrey said. “We’re covering about 90% of our electricity demand with solar.”

Did you know that in some states, you can shop around for cheaper electric rates the same way you would shop for a cell phone plan?

These states have “deregulated electricity markets,” which means they give residents the power to choose who supplies their electricity. The problem is, many people don’t even realize they have this choice.

“It's not the most sort of known thing,” said Ben Hood, CTO and co-founder of WattBuy, a company that helps consumers navigate deregulated electricity markets.

With electricity prices reaching all-time highs, understanding whether you have the power to choose your power supplier could save you hundreds—even thousands—of dollars.

What is electricity deregulation?

Most of us live in what's called a regulated electricity market: You're assigned an electricity company depending on your home address, and that's that. But some states have deregulated electricity markets—or some variation of it—including:

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Illinois

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New York

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania,

• Rhode Island

• Texas

• Washington, D.C.

Hood said the idea for electricity deregulation emerged in the 1990s, when state governments decided to separate “electricity delivery” and “electricity supply” to make the market more competitive. (This is why you now see them listed separately on your electric bill.)

Traditional utilities have always been monopolies—it's one company that builds the power plant, the transmission lines, and delivers electricity to your home. That’s still the case in the majority of states, but if you live in a deregulated state, you have the power to choose which company will supply (or generate) your electricity. No matter where you live, your assigned utility will deliver it.

Think of it like this: The utility company is your commute home. You have to take those roads, but you can choose where you buy your fuel to get there.

Hood said state leaders looked at energy deregulation as a solution, as they were “trying to make sure that the electricity prices were not getting out of hand for their citizens.”

Yet now, over three decades later, electricity prices have surged to historic levels in recent years, making the case for competition stronger than ever.

The benefit of electricity choice

The most obvious advantage of choosing your electric provider is savings—Hood said WattBuy customers save up to 20% on their electric bills. With electricity rates reaching all-time highs and projected to continue rising, it seems like an ideal time to live in a state that lets you shop for electricity deals.

Locking in fixed rates

Many electricity providers offer a fixed-rate option that guarantees you'll pay the same monthly price throughout your contract.

"We've seen the numbers: Electricity prices are going up 6%, electricity inflation is 5 or 6%. So, if you wanted to, in Pennsylvania, you can go and you can find a 36-month fixed-rate plan so that you lock in your prices for the next 36 months. So that for three years you're not going to have that 5 or 6% inflation," Hood explained.

Specialized plans for your lifestyle

Locking in a fixed rate isn't the only way to save: When there's competition for your dollar, each provider devises enticing plans to try to win you over.

For example, if you're a night owl or have an electric vehicle, Hood said some providers offer free electricity from 8:00 p.m. to 8 a.m.—if you have an electric vehicle, that means you could charge your car for free while you sleep. Or, if clean energy matters to you, you can choose an electric provider that offers "green" plans that rely on renewables.

"There are some exotic plans that are great for you to keep your eye out for if you have a special situation like an EV or a solar system or a battery in your garage," Hood said.

Why don't all states offer the power to choose?

Everything about energy deregulation sounds pretty great, so why is it only available in select states?

"It's just what the state legislators valued for their consumers,” said Hood. “If they valued more sort of consistency and no confusion from the marketplace, then they might not deregulate electricity. But if they wanted to encourage that competition, then they might push into it really full force.”

The history of energy deregulation in the U.S.

Here's a little history lesson, because the deregulated electricity landscape has changed a lot since the ‘90s. At first, some states went all-in on consumer choice, including Texas, California, and Michigan (Michigan and California have since pulled back). Some states only give commercial customers a choice. Some only offer a choice for natural gas. And some states don't offer any choices at all.

As of 2025, only the 14 states plus Washington D.C. we mentioned above have electricity choice markets, and even then, each state has its own rules.

Texas: The poster child for deregulation

Texas is the only state where residents are required to choose a power supplier—you aren't automatically assigned to a local utility as you are in any other state. That means there's a lot more competition among third-party suppliers and a lot more energy suppliers for you to choose from.

"In Houston, you might have 300 options," Hood said.

Other deregulated states make "choice" a little harder to come by. For example, Hood said Michigan has a 10% cap, which is filled mainly by commercial customers, so very few residents get electricity choice. In other states, like New York, he said most residents have a choice, but they also have fewer providers to choose from because the state has strict rules for electricity companies.

"New York allows deregulation, but they require all of the deregulated plans to either be 100% renewable or to guarantee savings. So there's not a lot of variety," Hood explained.

Most states offer “community choice aggregation”

Aside from Texas, most deregulated states offer what's called "community choice," which means your local utility will be assigned to deliver and supply energy to your home by default, but you can opt for a different supplier.

Ben said the issue is that many people don't know they have this option. (I'm guilty: I moved to Massachusetts a year ago, and months went by before I sifted through my stack of ad mail and saw that several power companies were offering me different rates and plan options).

The downsides and challenges of deregulated energy

Clearly, there are benefits to electricity choice, but there are some downsides.

"There's a mental load that comes from needing to figure this out every three years if you sign up for a 36-month contract," Hood said. "If you only want one or two options, then having 300 is overwhelming."

Of course, many of us would rather have too many choices than none at all, but analysis paralysis is real. Hood said that's why tools like WattBuy exist.

"I mean, there are folks in Texas who are pulling out spreadsheets and calculating all of these things. We think, okay, we'll just do the math for you. We're good at math. We can do it for you," Hood said.

There’s also a dark side to retail electricity choice: Hood said the main reason he got into this business was to help protect consumers from scammers.

"There were door-to-door salesmen who were basically not explaining what people were signing up for, going into low-income neighborhoods and convincing people to sign up for a four-year contract that makes them double their electricity rate," Hood said.

That's why it's important to do your research and work with companies you can trust.

The case for nationwide electricity choice

Most of us can agree that we'd like the freedom to choose who supplies our electricity. So the question is, why aren't all states moving toward deregulating their electricity?

"Most of the lobbying dollars that come from utilities go into state legislators. There's a lot of entrenched interests that fight that because they have little kingdoms and they would like to stay king of those little kingdoms," Hood said.

So nationwide deregulation would be challenging politically, to say the least. But whether you live in a deregulated market or not, understanding what it is and how it works is important—especially as our nationwide energy use increases.

"This type of innovation is going to be more important as we load the grid a little bit more," Hood said. "It's going to be so much more important for us to be able to eke all of the capacity out."

Should you switch electric providers?

If you do live in a deregulated state, Ben said you should start by asking yourself this question: Am I spending too much on electricity?

"If you're happy with your electricity bill, then just go with it. But if you feel like August comes around and you're kind of dreading opening that electricity bill, then it behooves you to take a look," Hood said.

You can check if you're overpaying for your electricity for free on WattBuy. Its 90-second process may save you over $1,000 on your electric bills over the next three years.

Pair that with solar panels, a home battery, heat pumps, and an EV—all of which you can get through EnergySage—and you could probably kiss all your utility expenses goodbye.

Electricity choice isn't available everywhere, but for those who have it, the savings can be substantial. And for the rest of us? It's worth asking why our state leaders aren't fighting harder to give us the freedom to choose.

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Think solar panels only add a modest bump to your home's value? Think again. New research analyzing 5,000 California home sales shows that solar installations are driving property value increases of 5% to 10%—more than double previous estimates. For the average $790,000 California home, that's an eye-popping $39,500 to $79,000 boost in resale value.

This isn't just about monthly electric bill savings anymore. The data shows solar panels have become one of the most valuable home improvements you can make, delivering returns that exceed traditional renovations while providing decades of energy independence.

With the average solar panel system costing about $29,649 before incentives, homeowners may be able to recover their entire investment through property value increases alone—then enjoy decades of electricity savings on top of that.

Solar's home value impact is bigger than realized

For years, the solar industry relied on a 2019 Zillow study showing solar panels added about 4.1% to home values. But recent research conducted by SolarInsure provides a newer picture. It analyzed 5,000 California home sales between 2020 and 2023, comparing 2,350 homes with owned solar systems against 860 comparable homes without solar and 1,790 homes with third-party-owned solar.

The findings are striking: Homes with owned solar panels sold for 5% to 10% more than similar homes without solar, a significant jump from Zillow's 2019 study.

System age played a smaller role than expected. Solar installations over five years old still earned a 5% to 6% premium, while newer systems saw 7% to 9% increases. This suggests buyers value the long-term savings potential more than the newest technology.

To ensure accurate comparisons, researchers matched each solar home with three non-solar properties of similar size, age, and amenities in the same area. They also used the Case-Shiller Home Price Index to account for market fluctuations over the study period.

According to EnergySage data, the average 12-kilowatt system costs about $29,000 before incentives. With the 30% federal tax credit, that drops to roughly $20,000. So, if your home's value increases by just 5% due to solar, you could recover your entire investment through increased property value alone—before counting decades of electricity savings.

Why buyers pay more for solar homes

Several factors drive solar's impressive impact on home values:

• Guaranteed cost savings: Buyers are purchasing decades of reduced electricity bills. With average household electricity costs skyrocketing, solar represents protection against future rate increases.

• Energy independence: As power outages become more frequent and utility rates climb, solar paired with storage offers stability and resilience.

• Quality investment signal: Solar installation demonstrates that homeowners have made thoughtful, long-term improvements to the property.

• Immediate benefits without upfront costs: New homeowners inherit the solar system's benefits without the initial investment or installation disruption.

• Growing market awareness: As solar becomes mainstream, more buyers understand and appreciate its value proposition.

Your financing choice impacts your property value

The new research confirms that ownership makes a big difference when it comes to home solar. Homes with third-party-owned solar—leased or power purchase agreement (PPA) systems—showed no value increase compared to homes without solar.

This distinction becomes even more significant given the current federal policy. While the residential tax credit ends December 31, 2025, the commercial tax credit continues for systems that begin construction before July 2026 or are placed in service before 2028. This means companies offering leases and PPAs can still claim tax credits for systems, but homeowners won't see those savings reflected in property values.

That said, leases and PPAs serve an important purpose for many homeowners. They provide immediate electricity savings with no upfront cost and no maintenance responsibilities, allowing homeowners to keep their capital flexible.

The property value consideration primarily affects traditional lease and PPA structures where the solar company retains ownership through the life of the agreement. From a buyer's perspective, these arrangements can sometimes present complications if new homeowners don't want to inherit monthly payments and contract obligations.

However, some newer prepaid lease and PPA products offer a path to ownership before you sell your home. If you buy out or complete payments on your agreement and own the system outright by the time you list your property, you may see the same property value increases as systems purchased from day one.

Solar beats traditional home improvements

Compared to other popular renovations, solar delivers superior returns. National Association of Realtors data shows complete kitchen remodels recover about 60% of their cost at resale, while bathroom renovations typically see 50% cost recovery.

Solar panels can offer 100% cost recovery through property value increases alone, plus ongoing electricity savings. Unlike renovations that primarily enhance aesthetics or comfort, solar provides measurable, quantifiable financial benefits.

The installation process also favors solar. While kitchen or bathroom renovations can disrupt your home for months, solar installation typically takes just one to two days and is minimally disruptive to daily life.

Solar's long-term value proposition

For most homeowners, solar is a smart investment. Equipment costs have dropped significantly—EnergySage Intel's latest Marketplace Report shows prices hit record lows of $2.50 per watt in late 2024, down from over $3.80 per watt in 2014.

At the same time, household electricity costs are expected to increase substantially as utilities expand capacity to meet growing demand. With electricity prices historically increasing around 2.8% annually, the value of solar's fixed energy costs becomes more significant each year.

The 5% to 10% property value increase reflects the market's recognition of solar as a valuable, long-term asset. It's one of the few home improvements that can pay for itself through property value increases alone and then deliver decades of additional savings.

When homebuyers purchase homes with solar panels, they gain energy savings and grid independence—benefits that continue to drive demand and value. Solar remains one of the smartest investments you can make in your home, offering returns that few other improvements can match.

America’s EV revolution has picked up speed, but we’re not quite at the finish line yet. The U.S. still falls behind many other countries, including China and the entire European Union, in electric vehicle adoption. And a recent AAA report found that roughly 63% of U.S. adults are unlikely to purchase a fully electric vehicle as their next car—but the reasons behind their hesitation reveal a story of changes already underway. 

Many of these concerns stem from outdated myths (and Big Oil propaganda) about EVs, but some reflect real challenges that innovators, policymakers, and the industry are actively solving. The good news? Experts believe we’re at a critical tipping point, which means the path to widespread adoption could soon accelerate dramatically.

Here are the four biggest roadblocks to making EVs practical for everyone—and how America is working to overcome them.

Roadblock #1: Gaps in U.S. charging infrastructure

Lack of convenient public charging stations and fear of running out of charge—aka "range anxiety"—are two of the top arguments against buying an EV. But this fear isn’t rooted in reality.

Here's some perspective: In 2023, only 4% of EV service calls to AAA were for fear of running out of charge—and most cars still had juice.

The real problem? Lack of convenient public charging. Nearly 40,000 public chargers were added in 2024, but EV advocate Tom Moloughney, host of the YouTube Show State of Charge, admits that "there's not enough."

"It’s also very regional—the coasts seem to have more charging infrastructure installed than the Midwest. There are regions of the country that are terribly underserved," said Moloughney.

Even in well-served areas, chargers may not be reliable. For example, Jonny Lieberman from the YouTube show Driving with Jonny says his local charging station in Southern California has "three cars charging 24 hours a day, with a line of three to 10 cars waiting." Even where chargers are plentiful, Lieberman admits that many of the stations are plagued by outdated technology—there are different levels of EV chargers, and they’re not created equal.

But despite these charging challenges, improvements are happening. A 2025 report showed that only 14% of all EV owners reported an unsuccessful charging visit—down from the 20% rate that had been hovering since 2021. America is on track to add nearly 17,000 public fast-charging ports this year, with a goal of providing access to 100,000 public fast chargers by 2027.

Plus, some EV drivers are finding workarounds, like charging their EV at an RV park.

Roadblock #2: The renter problem

Just over a third of Americans are renters and likely don't have access to home charging. According to the AAA report, 27% of Americans said they didn’t want to purchase an EV due to the challenges of installing a home charger.

"If there was a policy for renters that said they had to have the ability to get a charger where they park their car, I think that would overnight change the game,” said Liebermann.

While you don't need a home charger to drive an electric car (you can also plug it into a wall outlet), it really increases convenience and affordability. It's “three times cheaper to charge at home than it would be to charge on a fast charger,” according to Liebermann.

His solution? "There should be a movement like you can't rent an apartment without heat. You shouldn't be able to rent one without the ability to install a charger."

Some innovative charging solutions are already emerging, like EVMatch. It’s sort of like an Airbnb for EV chargers, providing drivers with access to chargers from homes and businesses they usually wouldn't have access to.

Roadblock #3: Unfriendly EV policies

While other countries have been rolling out the red carpet for EVs, American policy has been inconsistent. The biggest recent change is the elimination of the federal EV tax credit.

"There's no way around it—vehicles are going to become more expensive on October 1st here in the U.S., and it's going to slow down electric vehicle sales," said Moloughney.

Other countries beating America in the EV race—like Norway, Sweden, and China—offer various EV driver benefits, including tax breaks, free charging, and parking discounts.

But despite these rollbacks, not all EV incentives have been lost. Tom Bowen from Qmerit, the leader in EV charger installations, said some corporations are also making up for the loss of the federal tax credit. "We're seeing many of our partners on the [Original Equipment Manufacturer] side respond with additional incentives to try to encourage folks to purchase. We also see that at the state level, some utilities are still offering incentives," he said.

Roadblock #4: Lack of budget EVs

If you compare brand-new, recent model cars, the sticker price isn't that much higher on an EV. But if you're looking for a quality budget vehicle, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an electric option.

"At the entry-level market, you can still get internal combustion engines cheaper than EVs," says Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield, founder and host of Transport Evolved. She said the lack of EVs at that entry-level point matters greatly to many Americans.

But here's something that might surprise you: Budget EVs exist.

The Chinese manufacturer BYD makes a $10,000 EV called the Seagull—but high tariffs and security concerns prevent it from being sold in the U.S.

The good news? GM and Ford made billion-dollar investments in plants for more affordable EVs starting closer to $30,000. Tesla has promised a $25,000 Model 2, though its future remains unclear. While these aren't $10,000 BYD prices, they're trending in the right direction. 

"I think consumer demand will drive [prices down],” said Bowen. “The consumer tends to win out if it's a better experience."

And in the meantime, you can often find used EVs with low mileage and minimal wear and tear for about half the price of a new one.

Optimism for an electrified America, despite the roadblocks

Each expert remains optimistic about America's EV future. While EVs only currently account for around 9% of America’s new car sales in 2025, that number may be more positive than it sounds. "I heard 8% was a tipping point, and once you get to 8%, it eventually gets to 100%," said Lieberman.

Moloughney said he believes EVs would've hit 50% of new car sales around 2032 if the tax credit hadn’t been eliminated. Without it, he expects that timeline to be pushed to 2035. Lieberman estimates 2040.

What can we do to increase EV adoption?

One thing we can all do right now to help meet that goal is to fight EV misinformation with facts.

"We need to be willing and able to tackle FUD [fear, uncertainty, doubt] with compassion, empathy, science, and facts," says Gordon-Bloomfield.

So when you hear someone say, "Don't they catch fire all the time?" or "Those batteries need to be replaced, and they're not good for the environment," share the truth with them.

America's path to 50% EV adoption isn't about waiting for better EV technology. It's about consumer education, improved convenience, better incentives, and more affordable vehicles. The harder we fight for these things, the faster Americans will move away from the gas pumps.

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Solar prices have fallen dramatically over the past few decades, averaging $2.53 per watt in 2025—a huge drop from the $7+ per watt costs of the early 2000s. Even more notable, the U.S. solar industry has maintained prices at these record-low levels despite recent economic headwinds, a testament to the sector’s resilience and innovation.

While U.S. solar remains more expensive than in countries like Australia, where systems can cost under $1 per watt, American installers are working hard to close the gap. Much of the focus is on reducing “soft costs”—non-equipment expenses like permitting, marketing, and administrative overhead. By streamlining these processes, installers can lower prices while still delivering the quality and reliability that U.S. homeowners expect.

The Trump administration’s tariffs have added new challenges, but EnergySage data shows that, in early 2025, many installers absorbed these financing cost pressures rather than passing them on to homeowners. This adaptability underscores the industry’s long-term ability to reduce costs and expand adoption.

Has solar in the U.S. been getting less expensive?

Solar costs on EnergySage have fallen from $3.86 per watt in 2014 to $2.53 per watt in 2025—a drop of more than 34% over the past decade. For a typical 11-kilowatt (kW) system, that decline translates to roughly $14,600 in savings. The difference is even starker compared to the early 2000s, when solar panel systems cost upward of $7 per watt.

These prices reflect the gross installed cost of solar before any rebates or incentives. Depending on where you live, state and local programs can further reduce costs, although availability varies widely.

Will Trump’s tariffs drive the cost of solar back up?

In addition to eliminating the federal solar tax credit, the Trump administration’s new tariffs on imported solar equipment may impact pricing for American homeowners. According to EnergySage's latest contractor survey, 70% of installers expected tariffs to negatively impact their businesses, with 19% predicting they would "dramatically harm" their ability to operate profitably.

However, the solar industry has shown resilience in managing cost pressures. Data from the first half of 2025 shows that installers absorbed financing cost pressures rather than raise prices ahead of anticipated tariffs and policy changes. Solar prices remained stable in the first half of 2025, suggesting installers found ways to maintain competitive pricing despite economic headwinds.

Many installers are actively working to reduce soft costs—the non-equipment expenses that can add significant expense to installations. With equipment costs representing only about 46% of total system cost, there's a substantial opportunity for cost reductions in other areas.

“When you think about all of the industries being disrupted by tariffs, residential solar should be able to handle them the easiest because they have so much more room to improve,” Jigar Shah, former Director of the Loan Programs Office in the U.S. Department of Energy and current energy entrepreneur and podcaster, said to EnergySage.

“We know that we can get the cost of residential solar down closer to $2 a watt, and we have all this [electricity price] volatility while the [solar] product has never been more valuable for customers.” 

While solar prices could drop further, holding off on installation isn’t always the best strategy. Even without the federal tax credit, which ends for systems installed after December 31, 2025, most systems pay for themselves in about 10 years through electric bill savings, then go on to deliver decades of free electricity. With electricity rates climbing and no slowdown in sight, the savings from going solar today often outweigh the potential benefits of waiting.

Why is solar in Australia less expensive?

When people point to lower international solar costs, Australia is usually the benchmark. As of March 2025, the cost of residential solar energy in Australia averaged just AUD $0.90 (USD $0.59) per watt—less than a quarter of the U.S. average.

One big reason is permitting. In the U.S., requirements vary widely by state and local jurisdiction, often involving extensive paperwork for installers to complete. Australia finds ways to ease these requirements and restrictions by offering nearly immediate virtual permitting portals. 

“[Installers] could drop their cost tremendously if they just worked smarter, not harder,” said Shah. “That means working with the utility to make interconnection easier, and talking to your town's mayor and city council members.”

“Be very vocal—that's how this works,” Shah said. “If you have a solution, and your local officials are making it hard for their constituents to access it, that should be something that has political consequences.”

But Australia’s success comes with caveats. Reports have documented cases in the country where solar energy systems, expected to last 20 years, experienced malfunctions or sharp performance drops after only five years. Meanwhile, many U.S. systems installed in the early 2000s are still running smoothly after two decades, suggesting America’s stricter regulatory oversight helps ensure long-term reliability.

A balance must be struck between lowering costs and maintaining quality solar installations. Fortunately, recent data show that U.S. installers are finding ways to cut costs without compromising quality. 

According to EnergySage’s latest contractor survey, many installers are streamlining soft costs—expenses like sales, overhead, and operations—rather than skimping on labor or equipment. With 84% of installers reporting higher labor costs in the past year, finding efficiencies in other areas becomes critical for maintaining competitive pricing.

Solar remains a smart bet for U.S. homeowners

Solar continues to deliver strong returns despite tariffs, policy shifts, and higher labor costs. Most systems pay for themselves in a little over 10 years, and with panels lasting up to 30 years, homeowners can enjoy decades of free electricity after the initial investment is recouped. For anyone looking to reduce costs and achieve energy independence, solar remains one of the smartest investments available in the United States today.

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The average American family spends nearly $1,800 a year on electricity today, but that bill could rival a second car payment by mid-century. Annual electricity costs are projected to hit nearly $4,000 by 2054—adding up to more than $81,000 in cumulative costs over the next three decades. 

Exploding demand from AI data centers and the massive investments required to modernize the nation’s aging power grid are the biggest forces behind these rate hikes, putting unprecedented strain on utility companies. 

Installing a home solar panel system is a way to flip that script. Instead of watching electric bills drain your budget year after year, going solar can lock in predictable energy costs and deliver an estimated $52,000 in savings before any potentially available incentives—turning a growing expense into lasting financial relief.

30-year outlook: Average electricity costs vs. solar savings

*Assumes a cash purchase of a solar panel system that costs $29,649 and does not include any tax credits or rebates, which would reduce the price and increase savings.
**Breakeven year

Data centers and an aging grid drive up electricity costs

America’s electric grid wasn’t built for today’s digital demands, let alone tomorrow’s AI-powered economy. The projected surge in electricity costs stems from multiple converging factors, but one stands out: Data centers. Electricity demand from data centers alone is expected to grow by 130% by 2030, creating immense potential strain on an already overburdened grid.

Utility companies must invest heavily in upgrading aging infrastructure to keep up. Those costs ultimately get passed along to customers through higher rates. In Virginia—the state with the heaviest cluster of data centers—Dominion Energy has signaled how these pressures play out on household budgets. The utility is moving forward with rate hikes that will raise the typical customer’s bill by about $21 a month by 2027. Roughly half of that increase went into effect in July, offering a preview of what could come nationwide.

“Demand is going up and we're going to need new generation, but there are supply chain bottlenecks,” Christopher Knittel, professor at MIT Sloan School of Management and director of the Climate Policy Center and the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEPR), told EnergySage.

“We certainly point to building out the transmission network as a way to lower prices because it can enable us to move cheap electricity across different regions, but it's a double-edged sword from that perspective,” he said. “We have an aging infrastructure, so even if we just maintain the status quo, that will lead to higher rates as we renew that infrastructure.”

Solar offers protection from escalating electricity rates

As electricity rates climb year after year, solar panels allow homeowners to lock in stable energy costs for decades. According to EnergySage data, a homeowner with solar panels could save more than $52,000 over the next 30 years, while their neighbor who relies solely on the grid could face nearly $82,000 in electricity costs over the same period. 

Solar panel systems usually take several years to pay off, but once they do, savings will compound as electricity rates continue to rise. EnergySage’s analysis indicates that solar homeowners will break even by year 14 (or 2038 if you install this year) and start seeing positive cumulative savings, which grow substantially each year thereafter. By year 20, total savings surpass $17,000; by the 30-year mark, they reach nearly $52,000.

Those numbers don’t include any potential state tax credits and rebates, which could further increase savings. They also don’t include the federal solar tax credit, which expires after December 31, 2025—nearly a decade ahead of its original schedule due to recent federal legislation. To qualify for the tax credit, systems need to be installed by the end of the year, but many installers are already reporting maximum capacity. 

The good news is that solar remains a strong long-term investment, even without the federal tax credit. Most homeowners save between $34,000 and $120,000 on electricity over the lifetime of their system. Regardless of tax credits, falling equipment costs and rising electricity rates make solar an increasingly smart financial choice.

The key advantage is energy independence. While non-solar utility customers remain exposed to rate hikes driven by infrastructure upgrades, fuel price swings, and regulatory changes, solar homeowners generate their own clean electricity at a predictable cost that stays consistent for decades.

The $80K question: Pay the utility or go solar?

American homeowners face a simple decision: Continue paying skyrocketing electric bills that could exceed $80,000 over the next 30 years, or invest in solar panels that offer substantial long-term savings.

Electricity rates will keep climbing due to surging demand from data centers and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, but solar technology continues to become more affordable and efficient. By going solar, homeowners can lock in predictable energy costs while building equity in their own power generation.

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The clock is ticking on the federal EV tax credit. With the $7,500 incentive for new EVs and $4,000 for used models set to expire September 30, 2025, shoppers have just days left to save thousands on their next electric vehicle.

After marathon debates in Congress and the signing of President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" on July 4, the credits that were originally slated to continue through 2032 will vanish completely—no phase-out, no warning beyond this final deadline.

For context, this isn't just pocket change we're talking about. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average new electric vehicle costs $57,245 as of August 2025. That $7,500 credit represents a 13% discount. August EV sales surged almost 18% year-over-year as buyers rushed to beat the deadline. Now, as we enter the last weekend to claim the credit before it expires, the questions are piling up faster than cars at a charging station.

We answer the 10 most pressing questions about what this means for your next car purchase and the future of electric transportation in America.

What exactly ends on September 30?

The federal tax credits for electric vehicles—worth up to $7,500 for new EVs and plug-in hybrids, and up to $4,000 for used ones—expire completely on September 30, 2025. These credits, which were supposed to continue through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act, were cut short when Congress passed the reconciliation bill earlier this year.

Unlike past changes to EV incentives that included gradual phase-outs, this is a hard stop. One day you can save thousands; the next day you can't. The credit applies to both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), though each must meet specific requirements, including North American assembly and battery sourcing rules.

Do I need the car in my driveway by September 30?

There's some breathing room: You don't necessarily need to drive your EV home by September 30. According to recent IRS guidance, you need to have a written binding contract in place and make a payment by that date. This means if you sign a contract and put down a deposit by September 30, you can still qualify for the credit even if the car arrives in October or later.

This clarification is especially helpful if you're ordering a vehicle that needs to be manufactured or shipped from another state. The key is having that contract signed and payment made—not necessarily taking delivery.

Which vehicles still qualify right now?

Not every EV qualifies for the full credit. The list changes frequently as automakers scramble to meet battery sourcing requirements. Currently, popular qualifying models include various configurations of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and select Hyundai and Genesis models.

Just keep in mind that even within a given model, some trims or battery configurations may not qualify, depending on how their battery materials are sourced or assembled. So, make sure to verify the specific VIN or trim’s eligibility. The credit is also split into two halves: One portion for satisfying “battery component / assembly” requirements and another for “critical mineral sourcing.” Some vehicles may qualify only partially (i.e. $3,750) if they meet one but not both requirements.

Remember, SUVs, vans, and pickups have an $80,000 price cap, while other vehicles cap at $55,000. These limits refer to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), not what you negotiate at the dealership. Always verify current eligibility at fueleconomy.gov before making your purchase.

Can you still claim federal tax credits for installing a home EV charger?

While you only need to sign paperwork to claim the EV tax credit, the charging tax credit is more time-intensive—the installation needs to be complete. The good news is that you still have until June 30, 2026 to get that charger installed and claim the credit.

The 30C Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit provides up to 30% of the total cost (up to $1,000) for installing an EV charger at your home—but there's a catch. You must live in an eligible low-income community or non-urban census tract to qualify. You can check your eligibility using the Department of Energy's mapping tool.

You must file for the tax credit in the year the charging infrastructure was placed in service. So if you install your charger in 2025, you'll claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. Unlike the EV purchase credit, there's no point-of-sale rebate option—this one requires waiting until tax season.

How much money will I actually lose after September 30?

The immediate loss is straightforward: $7,500 for new EVs or $4,000 for used ones. But the real impact depends on your situation. If you're financing, that $7,500 could mean the difference between a $500 and $600 monthly payment. For cash buyers, it's $7,500 less to invest or keep in savings.

Industry analyst Karl Brauer warns the impact could be severe. “I think you're going to see third quarter EV sales probably go up slightly, or at least remain strong, simply because people who want to buy one are going to jump in before that Sept. 30 deadline,” he told Yahoo Finance. After that, he predicts EV market share could drop to as low as 4%, half of the current levels.

Can I still get the credit if I lease instead of buy?

Both the residential EV tax credit (Section 30D) and the commercial credit (Section 45W) that dealers use for leased vehicles expire on September 30, 2025.

Section 45W explicitly states, "No credit shall be determined under this section with respect to any vehicle acquired after September 30, 2025." The IRS has confirmed in its official guidance that no commercial credits will be allowed for vehicles acquired after this deadline.

But, if you sign a binding lease agreement and make a payment by September 30, you can still benefit from the credit even if the vehicle is delivered later. This means dealers can still claim the commercial credit and pass those savings to you through lower lease payments—but only if your lease is signed and paid for before the deadline.

After September 30, you're on your own. Some manufacturers have announced they'll offer their own $7,500 discounts to maintain sales momentum, but these company-specific incentives will vary widely and aren't guaranteed to match the federal credit's value.

Are there income limits I need to know about?

Yes, and they haven't changed. To qualify for the new EV credit, your modified adjusted gross income must be below $300,000 for joint filers, $225,000 for heads of household, or $150,000 for single filers. For used EVs, the limits are lower: $150,000 for joint filers and $75,000 for singles. And there aren’t limits if you lease your EV because the credit technically goes to the dealer.

You can use either your current year's income or the previous year's—whichever is lower. This flexibility helps if you've had a recent income change that might affect your eligibility.

Will states pick up the slack?

If you can’t purchase an EV in the next week, you may still be able to claim other incentives. Some states are trying to cushion the blow. New Jersey's Charge Up program offers up to $4,000 per vehicle through 2026. Other states like New York and Massachusetts have their own incentive programs, though none match the federal credit's value. And many utility companies also offer rebates for home chargers and special EV electricity rates.

The landscape varies dramatically by state. For example, states like Alabama and Mississippi offer little to no state-level support. Check your state's incentives at DSIRE before making your decision.

How will this affect EV prices and availability?

The market is about to flip dramatically. With the credit deadline just days away, we're seeing the final surge of buyers rushing to lock in savings before September 30. After that? Expect a very different landscape.

Many manufacturers are already planning their post-credit strategies—which, especially with EV sales volumes already down earlier this year, will likely include price cuts, according to Ivan Drury, director of insights at car buying site Edmunds.

“If you already can’t sell the vehicles at current prices, there’s no way you are going to sell them at today’s prices with this credit going by the wayside,” he told CNN. For buyers, this could mean manufacturer discounts that partially replace the federal credit.

The next few months will be telling for the entire EV industry—and for shoppers weighing whether to wait and see if prices drop, or lock in current deals while inventory is still available.

What happens to the EV market long-term?

The EV industry faces a significant transition. "There's no doubt we'll see lower EV sales next quarter after tax credits end September 30, and it may take several months for the market to normalize," said Duncan Aldred, senior vice president of General Motors North America, in a recent statement. "We will almost certainly see a smaller EV market for a while, and we won't overproduce. Still, we believe GM can continue to grow EV market share." 

Next week marks a watershed moment for electric vehicle adoption in America. The difference between buying before or after September 30 is thousands of dollars. So if you’re on the fence, head to the dealership this weekend, and take an EV for a spin. There’s a good chance you’ll leave with a new electric car. 

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The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut interest rates for the first time this year, dropping the federal funds rate another 25 basis points, bringing the benchmark lending rate down to 4.0% - 4.25%. September's rate cut comes after the Fed declined to lower rates all year. It's good news for homeowners looking to go solar.

The solar industry experienced a slow down over the past couple years as higher interest rates made homeowners and business owners alike hesitant to purchase pricey solar systems that often need to be financed with loans. Increased rates made those loans more expensive and changed the financial equation for many people wanting to invest in renewable energy by pushing out the solar break-even point by several years. 

However, this rate cut—combined with dropping installation costs—should make the financials involved with going solar more appealing to on-the-fence homeowners.

Lower rates mean that homeowners will see a return on their solar investment faster than they would have even a year ago. For example, this most recent 25-basis- point reduction in the Fed funds rate means a homeowner will save about $3,000 in interest payments on a 20-year, $30,000 home solar loan.

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Going solar is a wise investment regardless of what’s happening with interest rates because your saved monthly electric costs are typically greater than a monthly solar loan payment. When rates drop like they did on Wednesday, the numbers work in your favor even more so, reducing what you’ll owe in interest on your loan. That means you can pay off the loan sooner, and you’ll have a faster solar payback period, too.

"Most solar adopters finance their system with a loan, so dropping interest rates will help make solar more affordable and likely drive up demand for new commercial and residential solar installations," said Spencer Fields, former director of insights at EnergySage.

How do lower interest rates make solar cheaper for me to install?

How much you can save with solar will always depend on a few key factors including the cost of electricity in your area, how much electricity you use and your state’s energy policies such as net metering. But your interest rate will always be a critical factor in your savings equation if you take out a loan to pay for your solar panels.

Just as with a mortgage or any other major purchase you choose to finance, the lower your interest rate, the less interest you’ll have to pay over time, and the more money you’ll save. The average home solar panel system costs about $30,000 before incentives, and according to EnergySage data, around 85% of homeowners finance their solar system. 

Let’s look at a quick example: If you take out a $30,000 loan at a 4.25% interest rate for a 20-year term, you’ll pay about $14,500 in interest. That same loan at a 5% rate, will cost you around $17,500 in interest. That means this interest rate cut could save you as much as $3,000 in interest payments over your loan term.

Plus, most EnergySage customers pay off their solar loans early, further reducing their overall interest payments. An EnergySage analysis found that the typical homeowner who used EnergySage for their solar project paid off their solar loans in less than 10 years. So, this interest rate cut, combined with the early repayment schedule, could add up to as much as $10,000 in saved interest costs for a 20-year loan.

When it comes to solar loans, it’s also important to remember that there can be additional fees and costs rolled into your loan depending on your lender and the specific terms of your loan. That’s why it’s vital to look at not just the interest rate, but the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, because the APR includes all of the other fees built into your loan, giving you a more complete picture of the rate you’re truly paying.

A lower interest rate speeds up your solar payback period

Solar is a worthwhile investment because, as we explained above, you can often make your money back in less than 10 years. From there on it’s pure savings going back into your pocket. Even if they take out a 20-year loan, the average homeowner who goes solar through the EnergySage Marketplace pays their loan back in less than 10 years. So if you take out a loan while interest rates are lower like they are now, you’ll hit your payback period sooner and save yourself more money over time.

Should you wait to buy solar panels until interest rates drop again? 

You’ve probably heard the conventional wisdom that it’s not smart to try to time the stock market. Well, the same advice applies to timing interest rate cuts. Fed officials indicated they will look to continue to balance economic risks through the end of 2025 and likely won't make another rate cut by the end of the year.

While all kinds of macroeconomic factors impact the Fed’s final decision—and until they announce their decision, it’s never set in stone—one thing is all but certain: Electricity prices will continue to rise. The faster you install solar, the sooner you can save on your electric bills.

The 30% residential solar tax credit—long considered one of the best solar incentives—is set to disappear after December 31, 2025. Under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the credit will end abruptly in three months, with no phase-out period as originally planned. On the surface, that might sound like a devastating blow for solar savings, but the reality is more complex.

For millions of American homeowners, losing this credit won’t actually change their financial outlook when it comes to solar. The tax incentive only applies if you owe enough in federal income taxes to take advantage of it, so people like retirees on fixed incomes, families with little to no annual tax bill, and students just starting their careers couldn’t always cash in anyway. For these households, the cost of solar—and the savings it delivers—remain the same.

The federal solar tax credit doesn’t apply to every household

The residential solar tax credit is nonrefundable, which means it can only reduce the amount of federal income tax you owe—it can’t generate a refund or a check in the mail. In other words, if your tax bill is already low or nonexistent, you won’t see much benefit from this incentive.

However, one major benefit is that homeowners can carry forward unused credits to future tax years, so if you don’t have a tax bill this year, but you will in following years, you’re still able to take advantage of the credit. Still, the nonrefundable structure has always limited who can truly take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. 

Retirees who don't owe much federal income tax

Many retirees rely on sources of income like Social Security, which aren’t subject to federal income taxes. That means retired people often owe little to nothing in federal taxes—and without a tax bill, there’s nothing to apply the solar tax credit to. When your main income streams are tax-exempt, you simply don’t qualify for much of the benefit.

Unlike employed people, who may owe little in taxes one year, but can carry the solar tax credit forward to offset higher tax bills in future years, many retirees have a monthly income that rarely changes, meaning those future tax years with enough liability may never come. However, if you have multiple retirement accounts, it’s possible to create tax liability by working with a financial advisor in some situations. A licensed financial professional can help you assess your options.

Families or individuals with little to no annual tax bill

The solar tax credit can't be applied if other deductions or credits have already reduced your tax bill to zero. Many households with multiple children, substantial mortgage interest, or other significant deductions find their federal income tax bill reduced to zero before accounting for solar credits.

Similar to retirees, households with very low taxable income often don’t owe enough to claim the credit. Families earning below certain thresholds may have minimal federal tax bills after standard deductions and other credits. The solar tax credit’s nonrefundable nature means unused amounts can’t be converted into a refund or cash, limiting the potential financial benefits for those households.

Students or young adults just starting out

People early in their careers often earn less and may not have a high enough tax bill to benefit from the credit. Entry-level salaries, student loan interest deductions, and other factors common among young adults frequently result in minimal federal tax bills.

Renters who don't own their home

The solar tax credit only applies to solar energy system owners. If you don’t own your home, you don’t own the solar panels on it, and you can’t claim the credit. That’s why a significant portion of American households—those who rent rather than own their homes—could never take advantage of this incentive in the first place, meaning they aren’t missing out now that it’s disappearing.

The end of the federal solar tax credit may matter less than you think

Losing the residential solar tax credit was an unexpected shift, but the solar industry is strong enough to adapt. Even without federal subsidies, solar remains financially attractive for most homeowners because it eliminates or significantly reduces their increasingly expensive electric bills. Over the course of 25 years, most homeowners can save anywhere between $34,000 and $120,000 on their electric bills by going solar—far more than the value of the upfront tax credit.

Solar costs have also dropped dramatically over time. Ten years ago, a home solar installation cost $3.36 per watt—28% more than the average prices seen on EnergySage today. Meanwhile, rising electricity rates continue strengthening the financial case for going solar, making it a smart investment even without federal incentives.

Of course, the elimination of the residential solar tax credit (25D) makes solar slightly more expensive for some people. On average, an EnergySage solar shopper who goes solar in 2025 will break even in about seven years. Without the federal tax credit, that same system on the same roof would take just over 10 years to pay for itself. While that’s a longer timeline, it still represents a solid return for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for more than a decade. Solar after the loss of 25D requires more patience, but it’s still worth it.

State and local incentives continue

Federal policy isn’t the only factor that makes solar more affordable. Many states offer their own tax credits, which can be claimed in addition to federal incentives. Utilities, manufacturers, cities, and local governments often provide rebates, performance-based incentives, or other programs that remain unaffected by the federal credit’s expiration.

Homeowners may also benefit from net metering, a policy that allows them to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, offsetting their electricity costs even further. In some states, you can earn solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for the power your system produces, creating an additional income stream. These state and local programs can significantly shorten the payback period for solar panel systems, ensuring strong returns even without the federal tax credit.

Your solar timeline hasn't changed if you can’t use the credit

For many households, losing a credit they couldn’t use anyway doesn’t change the real benefits of going solar: Lower electric bills, long-term savings, and protection against rising energy costs.

Even for homeowners who could’ve taken advantage of the federal tax credit but missed it, solar remains a strong investment on its own. While the end of the federal incentive is a notable policy shift, it doesn’t diminish the fundamental value of going solar. For most Americans, the economics of solar energy make it worth investing in.

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A lot has been said about solar energy lately—and not all of it’s true. For homeowners, it can sometimes be tough to separate fact from fiction. Is solar a scam, as some critics suggest? Does the manufacturing process erase its environmental benefits?

The short answer to both of these questions is a resounding no. Solar is a proven, reliable technology. It’s not a scam; it’s a cornerstone of the country’s clean energy transition and one of the most effective tools we have to shrink the energy sector’s carbon footprint—along with the carbon footprint of many other industries.

Still, that doesn’t mean panels are impact-free. Like any manufactured product, it takes energy and industrial materials to produce them efficiently and at scale. However, those impacts are more manageable than those of other similar industries, and solar has made major progress in cleaning up its supply chain.

“We’re aware of the environmental impacts, and we're holding ourselves accountable as an industry,” George McClellan, senior manager of technical sales at REC Group, told EnergySage. “The industry is moving in the right direction. We've made great strides.”

“Most solar panels don’t have any materials or chemicals that exceed the EPA toxicity levels,” he said. “There can be a tiny amount of lead in some panels, but it’s typically below the threshold limit set by the EPA.” 

What matters most is the net environmental payoff. Once installed, solar panels don’t release harmful substances, generate clean electricity for 25+ years, and are backed by ongoing improvements in manufacturing and recycling practices.

The environmental cost—and payoff—of making solar panels

Yes, making solar panels has an environmental impact, just like manufacturing any other product. Solar cells, or the part of a solar panel that actually generates electricity, start as silicon, which comes from heated quartz. This manufacturing process involves chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly—the key phrase being, “if not handled properly."

“It’s not so much that the cell is problematic as the processing is. It uses a lot of energy and water,” McClellan said, noting that this process also contributes to removing hazardous materials from entering the environment. 

One of the biggest concerns is silicon tetrachloride. If dumped carelessly, this chemical can cause burns and air pollution. Fortunately, it pays off for manufacturers to recycle this back into new solar panels because it saves them money. It's a win-win situation where doing the right thing also makes financial sense.  

“It’s important to understand whether the company has good stewardship,” McClellan said. “You need to make sure that you're not working with companies that are less than aboveboard with reporting. It's got to be transparent.”

Research shows that a single solar panel only takes about three years to offset the emissions from its production and transportation, thanks to its renewable electricity generation. Since panels last 25 to 30 years, that provides decades of completely carbon-free energy production.

Solar panel manufacturing keeps getting cleaner

Today’s solar industry looks very different than it did in its early decades. Twenty years ago, lead was much more widely used in solar panel manufacturing, and improper waste disposal raised legitimate concerns, especially in countries with weaker regulations. 

“There’s been a big wave of consciousness around [the environmental impact of manufacturing] over the past five years. We're now manufacturing in a less toxic fashion,” McClellan said.

“As an industry, we’re moving towards understanding the environmental impacts of manufacturing, as well as post-manufacturing and end-of-life effects. That wasn't understood as well twenty years ago when I jumped into this industry,” he said.

While a better awareness of the materials and chemicals used in the making of solar panels has lessened their impact on the environment, solar panel disposal is still a cause for concern to many people. Historically, landfills have been the cheaper and easier way to dispose of decommissioned solar panels, which poses a toxic waste problem. But contrary to popular belief, it’s a problem we can manage. 

"[Solar cell] waste is very manageable and should not delay deployment—it's not a reason to slow down," Teresa Barnes, director of the Durable Module Materials (DuraMAT) Consortium, said to NREL in an interview. "We will have less waste from [solar panels] than we do from traditional fossil sources of electricity, and it's less toxic than some of the other fossil energy waste. These end-of-life [solar cell] materials are something we can handle."

Solar panel recycling eases end-of-life waste concerns

Recycling solar panels at the end of their lifespan is becoming increasingly common. Some manufacturers, like REC and Qcells, already offer recycling programs for their customers. As solar adoption grows, recycling programs and specialized companies are expected to expand and become a standard part of the industry.

Solar panels are safe to put on your roof

Solar panels are safe, clean, and one of the smartest investments you can make for both the environment and your wallet. Manufacturing involves some chemicals, but the industry has largely addressed these concerns through improved practices and oversight.

Once those panels are generating electricity on your roof, they'll produce clean energy for decades with zero emissions. Their manufacturing footprint gets paid back quickly through clean energy production, especially as solar technology keeps improving.

As McClellan puts it, “The benefits are going to continue to grow, and the environmental cost will continue to shrink. We're moving in the right direction on both.”

With the September 30th deadline approaching to claim the federal tax credit for your electric vehicle (EV) charger installation, many EV owners are weighing their options for home charging. Driving an EV means cleaner, more efficient transportation and freedom from routine gas station stops. But to get the most out of your EV, you’ll want the convenience of charging at home.

Most drivers upgrade to a Level 2 charging station when they buy an EV. Although most cars come standard with an installation-free Level 1 charger that plugs into a regular wall outlet, it’s much slower than Level 2 chargers. Most people prefer to spend the money on a faster Level 2 option to ensure they start each day with a full battery.

Installing one, however, isn’t a DIY project you should try to take on yourself. A safe, reliable setup depends on the right professional, and in this case, that means hiring a licensed electrician who’s qualified to install EV chargers. While time is of the essence to cash in on federal EV tax credits, don’t let the tax credit deadline push you into rushing the process. Choosing the right installer now will save you money—and headaches—later.

Why you should never DIY your EV charger installation

Installing an EV charger isn't as simple as mounting a TV or replacing a light fixture. It involves high-voltage electrical work that requires specialized knowledge, proper permits, and adherence to local electrical codes.

"Only a licensed electrical professional can provide expert knowledge, safety, accountability, and ultimately peace of mind that can prevent expensive future costs and life-threatening hazards,” Vernon Riggs, senior vice president at Qmerit, told EnergySage.

EV chargers typically require 240-volt circuits—the same voltage that powers your electric dryer or oven. Even though they’re common, incorrectly installing this type of circuit can lead to electrical fires, damage to your home's electrical system, or worse. Licensed electricians have the training to handle these installations safely and ensure they meet all safety standards.

Beyond safety, there's the question of accountability. When you hire a licensed professional, you're not just paying for their time; you're investing in their expertise, insurance coverage, and ability to stand behind their work. 

"While a handyman or well-meaning unlicensed individuals may try to work cheaper, the risks to your property, finances, and family are much too great,” Riggs said.

The hidden costs of cutting corners

That bargain installation from your neighbor who's handy with electrical stuff might seem tempting, but the potential consequences far outweigh any upfront savings. Unpermitted or incorrectly installed electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance, exposing you financially if something goes wrong. In some cases, improperly installed systems must be completely redone, making that "cheap" installation the most expensive option.

As Riggs points out, "If the work is done without a permit, who pays to correct it, who is fined, and how much legal trouble will there be when it's discovered in the future?"

How to find trusted EV charger installers near you

While you can start by asking local electricians about their EV charger experience, checking reviews, or even reaching out to your EV manufacturer’s installer network, these approaches can take time and may not guarantee a qualified match.

That’s why EnergySage recommends Qmerit. Qmerit operates a nationwide network of licensed electricians who are specifically trained and certified for EV charger installations. Just like EnergySage, Qmerit carefully vets every installer for licensing, insurance, and experience—so you can confidently and quickly connect with trusted professionals in your area.

Key questions to ask when hiring an electrician 

Your family electrician may not have experience with EV charger installations, however, so it's important to vet your options carefully. Riggs recommends asking the following questions when interviewing a potential electrician:

• Do you have liability and workers' compensation insurance? This protects you if something goes wrong during installation or a worker gets injured on your property. Any licensed electrician should have both types of coverage and be willing to provide proof.

• Do you provide any warranties? Professional EV installers should stand behind their work. Look for electricians who offer warranties on both their labor as well as any equipment they provide.

• Will you pull the necessary permits? Proper EV charger installation requires electrical permits in most areas. A qualified electrician will handle this process and ensure their work meets local building codes.

Going with the pros is worth it

While it’s true that a professional installation will cost more upfront than any DIY or unlicensed alternatives, working with a qualified electrician is the clear choice when considering the safety risks, potential insurance issues, and long-term reliability concerns.

Your EV is a significant investment, and a properly installed home charging station is critical to that equation. The right charging setup ensures you can reliably charge your vehicle while protecting your home's electrical system, saving you even more money. Take the time to find the right professional installer: It sets the foundation for years of trouble-free charging from the comfort of your own home.

If you're already saving money with an electric vehicle (EV), adding solar panels to the mix transforms solid savings into extraordinary ones.

The math is compelling: Charging your EV with solar panels typically only costs about $200-$300 each year—compared to around $600-$700 with grid electricity, and about $2,500 for a comparable gas vehicle.

That's right—powering your electric car with sunshine costs less than most people spend on coffee each year.

Solar charging cuts EV costs by 60% compared to grid power

The financial advantage of solar-powered EV charging extends far beyond the pump. Over 25 years, the average driver charging an EV with solar panels can save more than $14,000 compared to using grid energy and as much as $70,000 compared to fueling a gas car.

These aren't hypothetical projections—they're based on current energy costs and typical driving patterns. The average American drives about 13,500 miles each year, and with solar panels generating electricity at roughly $0.05 per per mile, the economics become undeniable. That's less than half the national average grid rate of $0.15 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and a fraction of public charging station costs.

The price stability matters as much as the savings. Since 1990, grid energy has increased by an average of almost 2% annually, while gas prices have risen almost 4% annually over the last century. Solar panel owners who use their system to charge their EVs escape this endless price escalation entirely.

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Breaking down the real numbers: How much you'll actually save

Let's get specific about what these savings look like for the average American driver. Here's how the annual costs stack up:

• Solar charging: $200-300 per year

• Grid charging: $600-700 per year

• Gas vehicle: $2,500 per year

• Public charging stations: $1,000 per year

The gap widens dramatically over time. Over 25 years of charging an EV on solar, the average driver will spend tens of thousands of dollars less than if they charged using grid energy. Factor in rising electricity rates and volatile gas prices, and the savings multiply.

You need about 6-10 solar panels to power your EV

The beauty of solar-powered EV charging lies in its simplicity. It will take the power of anywhere from about six to 10 solar panels to charge the average electric vehicle, though the exact number varies based on your driving habits and location.

For most homeowners, this means adding six to 10 panels to their existing system or planning for a slightly larger system if they're going solar for the first time. Most solar panels today have a 400-watt power output, and with average driving patterns requiring about 362 kWh monthly, the math works out to roughly a 2.4 kW addition to your solar system.

When you consider the thousands saved annually on fuel costs, most homeowners see a return on investment within three to five years.

Smart charging strategies maximize your savings

To fully capitalize on solar-powered EV charging, you'll need more than just panels on your roof. A Level 2 home charger maximizes efficiency, while battery storage systems let you bank sunshine for overnight charging.

The configuration matters too. Solar-compatible smart chargers can prioritize using your panels' output during peak production hours, ensuring you're using free solar energy rather than drawing from your local power grid. Some systems even allow you to set charging schedules that align with your solar production patterns.

Time-of-use electricity rates add another layer of savings potential. By charging during off-peak hours when you can't use solar (like overnight), then selling your solar power back to the grid during peak rate periods, some homeowners actually profit from their setup if there's a good net metering policy in their state.

Federal incentives make 2025 the year to act

The window for maximum savings is closing fast. The 30% federal solar tax credit expires after December 31, 2025, potentially adding thousands to the cost of going solar if you wait.

Electric vehicle incentives expire even sooner, on September 30, 2025, so if you want to take advantage of those federal tax credits—up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used ones—stack these incentives with state and local rebates, and the combined solar-EV investment becomes even more financially attractive.

Many states offer additional incentives for home charging equipment, and some utilities provide rebates for solar installations specifically designed to support EV charging. The convergence of these programs in 2025 creates an unprecedented opportunity for savings.

Beyond dollars: Energy independence and grid stability

While the financial benefits alone justify the investment, solar-powered EV charging delivers value beyond your bank account. Every kilowatt-hour generated on your roof is one less demanded from an increasingly strained electrical grid.

Using solar panels to fuel your electric car reduces your carbon footprint to essentially zero. Unlike grid charging, which often relies on fossil fuel generation, solar ensures your daily commute runs on 100% renewable energy—which matters more as extreme weather events and peak demand periods stress the grid. Homeowners with solar-plus-storage systems maintain transportation capability even during outages—a growing concern as climate events intensify.

The distributed nature of rooftop solar also helps stabilize the broader grid. As EV adoption accelerates and data centers multiply their energy demands, home solar installations provide crucial capacity without requiring massive infrastructure investments that ultimately show up on everyone's utility bills.

For homeowners ready to maximize their clean energy savings, it makes financial sense to combine your EV with solar panels. With federal incentives set to expire and electricity rates continuing their relentless climb, there's never been a better time to power your EV with sunshine—watch your transportation costs plummet as your energy independence soars.

California electricity prices have nearly doubled in the last decade—and the supply cost of power isn’t to blame. 

The average price of electricity in the Golden State soared a whopping 96% between 2014 and 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Electricity rates surged especially high between 2021 and 2023, climbing by double-digit percentages year-over-year and spiking more than 14% between 2022 and 2023 alone.

Even after adjusting for inflation, real electricity prices in California—electricity’s value adjusted for inflation to reflect purchasing power over time—rose by more than 20% from 2021 to 2024, according to economists Jenya Kahn-Lang and Jesse Buchsbaum of Resources For the Future (RFF). By contrast, in many other states, electricity rates only increased at around the same rate or more slowly than inflation, largely because wholesale power prices stayed stable.

If not inflation, what’s causing the massive jump in California’s electric bills? Expensive—but necessary and long-overdue—investments in utility infrastructure upgrades aimed at addressing aging equipment and worsening extreme weather drive the state’s rising rates. At the center of it all are wildfires. 

The frequency and intensity of wildfires on the West Coast have increased in recent years, due to both climate change and preventable utility equipment failures. California has shouldered the brunt of these destructive events, but it won’t be the last state to face the steep price of resilience in a changing climate. 

“California is an outlier, but it's also a harbinger,” Severin Borenstein, professor at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and faculty director of the Energy Institute, told EnergySage. “We have drastically higher rates, but that’s not a function of higher wholesale costs—those have risen almost exactly in line with inflation.”

“They're a result of dealing with climate change,” he said. “Extreme weather impacts electricity systems and requires new investments, which feed into rates.”

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Wildfires fuel electricity rate hikes in California

Kahn-Lang and Buchsbaum break down electricity system costs into four categories: Power production, transmission, distribution, and other expenses. Their analysis shows that transmission and distribution—not production—are the main drivers of electricity rate hikes. In California, inflation-adjusted distribution costs have increased by 18% since 2021. 

Transmission and distribution costs reflect the massive investments needed to build new grid resources. These expenses are especially burdensome in regions hit by increasingly frequent and severe weather events, like California’s wildfires.

“The recent price increases in California are primarily due to wildfires,” Kahn-Lang told EnergySage. “Californians are paying for past wildfires and for upgrades to the power grid to prevent and reduce the spread of future wildfires. Utilities are responsible for the costs of the wildfires in California. As we've seen in the past, that’s a huge amount of money.”

California is a harbinger for the rest of the country

As Borenstein put it, California is as much a harbinger as it is an outlier. The state’s skyrocketing electricity prices foreshadow what’s likely to come nationwide, as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and storms require badly needed investments in new and improved grid resources. 

“California is already there, but I think a lot of other states will soon be there, too,” Borenstein said. “Look at the wildfires in Washington and Oregon and the flooding in Texas. To be realistic about increasingly extreme weather, they’re going to have to make more investments, and typically those end up getting loaded into rates.” 

Borenstein also pointed to other states that also face major transmission and distribution costs. “Maine comes to mind—they have real problems with reliability and have had to make some very expensive investments,” he said.

Kahn-Lang echoed Borenstein’s assessment: “In some sense, California is an isolated case, but extreme weather events are becoming more common across the country, so we may see more price increases related to extreme events in other states going forward,” she said. “We’re seeing some interesting patterns [in transmission and distribution prices] elsewhere. Maine really stands out in that analysis.”

Power grid strain mounts as data centers boom and solar incentives expire

Climate disasters aren’t the only factor driving up transmission and distribution costs. Electricity demand is projected to jump far beyond what the current grid can reliably handle, fueled in large part by the rapid growth of generative AI. Data center electricity demand alone is expected to grow 130% by the end of the decade. To meet this, states must build new generation sources on top of the investments already being made in infrastructure upgrades. 

Although California’s electricity prices are an extreme case, the rest of the country isn’t immune to future spikes.

“If you take California out of the national average, the rest of the country’s [electricity prices] did not increase faster than inflation; it increased slightly slower than inflation,” Borenstein said. “But that's not to say they won't increase faster in the future, particularly given data center demand.”

Building new power plants and upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure takes years, even without extreme weather disruptions. On top of that, recent roll backs of federal clean energy incentives and harmful political rhetoric will make it harder and more expensive to develop new renewable generation sources, which deploy faster than their fossil fuel counterparts. All of this is happening at a time when electricity demand is surging, creating additional pressure on the grid and making higher rates almost inevitable.

How to protect yourself against rising electricity prices

For homeowners, installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to protect themselves against soaring electricity costs. It lets you generate your own power and rely less on a grid already stretched thin by extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and growing demand.

The financial case for going solar is especially strong right now: If you install a solar panel system before the 30% federal solar tax credit expires at the end of 2025, you can take advantage of one of the last major federal incentives available for clean energy. 

With or without federal support, solar offers both long-term energy and financial stability. By generating your own power, you can avoid skyrocketing California rates and stay ahead of the rising grid issues proliferating across the country.

As extreme weather and power outages become more frequent and intense, energy resilience—the ability to keep power on when the grid fails—is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Energy resilience can take many forms, from massive solar projects that keep entire communities running to a couple of batteries tucked away in your garage. We spoke with entrepreneurs and homeowners across that spectrum to learn practical ways anyone can boost their power security, no matter the budget.

'America's first solar-powered town' never lost power during a Category 4 hurricane

Syd Kitson, a former NFL player turned sustainability developer, founded Babcock Ranch—a solar-powered town in Southwest Florida with over 5,000 residents. In 2022, Hurricane Ian put his vision to the ultimate test: The Category 4 storm hit the community head-on with 160 mph winds.

"I can remember sitting in my home and watching the weather, and the weather person said, 'it's headed right for Babcock Ranch,'" said Kitson. "That thing sat on top of us for eight hours."

The devastating hurricane knocked out power to over 4.45 million homes and businesses across the state, but Babcock Ranch never lost power.

The town’s secret isn’t just solar panels and batteries—though the community had both ready to deploy—but thoughtful infrastructure planning. Babcock partnered with Florida Power & Light to weather-proof its electrical grid, including burying all power lines and using concrete poles. Combined with strategic construction around natural waterways, the community was prepared to endure the hurricane.

"Everything we had worked on, everything we had done to plan for this, had worked. And it really proved out that if you do the right thing and you think ahead of time of what needs to be done, you can be very successful," Kitson said.

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A YouTube creator built a net-zero home with a $90k solar energy system (and doesn’t regret it)

You may have heard of Matt Ferrell, who created the popular YouTube channel Undecided with Matt Ferrell. His energy resilience journey started small: He bought solar panels and a battery at his previous Massachusetts home to provide additional peace of mind during New England winter storms.

When designing his new eco-friendly home, Ferrell went all-in with a solar and battery system large enough to achieve net-zero energy use, which means it produces as much energy as his family consumes. The investment cost was about $90,000, but he says it was worth it.

"There's just no worry. Once, I was sitting at my computer, and the power was out in the neighborhood, and we never knew,” he said, explaining the benefits of adding solar and storage to his home. “It's that sense of security for my family, knowing that we won't have spoiled food in the fridge, knowing that we don't have to worry about this kind of stuff…to me, that sense of relief makes it all worthwhile."

Ferrell said the solar energy system will save him $196,000 over 30 years, but he emphasizes his approach isn't for everyone.

"I look at the content that I've been putting together as a menu,” he said.“ Look at all the different options, but you don't have to do all the options." A system design that works well for one property may not work for another, and homeowners have varying energy priorities.

A Florida homeowner ditched his gas generator for solar and batteries

Army veteran Adam Lawrence lives in Orlando, Florida, with six family members and was experiencing regular power outages. There were just enough to be genuinely frustrating—and push him into taking action.

"We probably have an outage once a quarter or something like that for a few hours. And if it's nighttime in Florida, it's tough to sleep if your AC goes out," he said.

Lawrence first tried a traditional generator, but said the experience was miserable.

"I remember we lost power, and it was raining, and it was 3 a.m. We had a little AC window unit, and I had to get that working because we had a 7-month-old," said Lawrence. "So I'm out there hooking up propane tanks, getting the generators, setting up the interlock…and that's when I was like, 'Okay, I’ve got to figure something else out.'"

Plus, the generator was loud. "Running a generator at two in the morning is fine for me because my AC's on and I can sleep, but it's not the best for my buddy and his wife who live next door."

This past summer, Lawrence installed solar panels and batteries. It doesn’t zero out his energy use like Ferrell’s, but the system produces about two-thirds of their family's daily energy needs and provides backup power when needed, which Lawrence says is enough.

“You never really know how bad things can get, and seeing these things happen across the world, a lot of people think this can't happen here. But it can, and I'd rather be prepared for it than not,” Lawrence said.

A New Hampshire couple planning for energy security

In rural Pyrmont, New Hampshire, where there are fewer than 800 residents, Vernon and Jane Jones spent over two decades dreaming about going solar before contacting an installer in August. For them, power outages aren’t only inconvenient, but also impact their access to water from their drilled well—a critical necessity on their property

"With that kind of grid dependency, we really didn't want to have a problem and be without water for weeks at a time," Vernon said.

“We need to protect our water supply if we should need it, or if anybody around us needs it when the power goes out,” Jane added.

Timing also worked in their favor: The Joneses are scheduled for an October installation, so they were able to secure the 30% federal tax credit before it expires at the end of 2025. This will help them save around $9,000 on their roughly $30,000 investment.

The true value of energy resilience goes beyond money

Installing a solar battery isn’t cheap. It typically costs about $11,000, but your ultimate electric bill savings also depends on other factors like where you live and how much energy your household uses daily.

That means that batteries may not make financial sense for every homeowner. But as Ferrell explains, "It's not just about the finances—it's also about energy security. I keep hammering home on that, because it's hard to put a price on that.”

Ferrell said the good news is that battery prices continue dropping over time, and new, more affordable options are hitting the market every day. However, he’s the first to admit that solar batteries aren’t the best solution for everyone.

"Don't take me as saying everybody should go get a battery, because everybody's use case will be different,” he explained. But if you're very concerned about energy security because of tornadoes or hurricanes or blackout conditions, or if you live in Florida…a battery is probably where you should be looking first."

If you can’t afford a battery or aren’t ready to make the financial commitment, there are more affordable ways to improve your home’s safety and efficiency with other simple clean energy upgrades.

“Home insulation is the lowest hanging fruit,” Ferrell said. “If you have access to a home energy audit, that will be the best money you can ever spend on your house. They'll give you recommendations, and then you can take it from there.”

As the country’s electrical grid faces increasing challenges—from severe weather to growing power demand from AI data centers and electric vehicles—energy security will only become more critical. Whether you're planning a comprehensive system like Matt's net-zero home, a practical solution like Adam's backup setup, or just getting started with solar like Vernon and Jane, the key is taking that first step toward home resiliency, no matter how small that step is.

You're working from home when the lights flicker and go out. Your internet dies, your refrigerator stops humming, and you're left wondering how long you could be in the dark.

If you're like most Americans, you're likely to experience about 5.6 hours of power outages each year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). While that might not sound like much time, even short blackouts can be expensive—and longer ones can cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

The financial impact of losing power extends far beyond a slightly higher electric bill. Between potential property damage, emergency supplies, spoiled groceries, and lost productivity, power outages can hit your wallet hard. But here's the thing: You can plan ahead and avoid being at the mercy of an unreliable power grid.

Solar batteries are also changing the game for homeowners who want to take control of their energy security. When paired with solar panels, these backup systems can keep your lights on and your food fresh—and even offer a lifeline to neighbors if needed. We'll break down exactly what power outages could cost you and how investing in energy storage might be one of the smartest financial decisions you make for your home.

Key takeaways

How much does a power outage cost?

Your level of preparation and the duration of the power outage will partially determine how much it will cost you. Here are some of the most common costs associated with power outages:

Major power outage costs

Spoiled food

Cost: about $200 for a fridge full of groceries

If you have a fridge and/or freezer full of perishable food and your power outage lasts more than a day, you'll likely experience significant food waste.

During a power outage, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to retain the cold air. Food in the fridge will generally stay fresh for a day after an outage, and food in the freezer will stay frozen for a day to a day and a half if you keep it closed.

If your power outage lasts more than a few hours, make sure to check your food for signs of spoilage before consumption.

Emergency supplies

Cost: about $25 - $100, depending on what you need

Stocking up on emergency supplies is the best way to prepare for a power outage. Especially if you're notified of a planned shutdown or you're aware of extreme weather heading your way, plan to have the following on hand:

• Firewood and fuel source

• Candles

• Flashlight

• Extra batteries

• Portable phone charger (with a full charge)

• Non-perishable foods (at least enough for one week for your entire household)

• Extra bottled water (at least enough for one week for your household, including pets)

Lost productivity

Cost: about $200, assuming you make $25/hour and miss a full day of work

During a power outage, you'll lose your internet connection. So, if you need it to do your job, it could mean losing actual wages if you're an hourly worker or having to take a personal day if you're a salaried employee.

The cost of your lost productivity will vary significantly depending on your unique situation, but you should consider it if you frequently experience power outages.

Property damage

Cost: anywhere from $500 - $25,000, depending on the severity of the damage

You may not experience any property damage during a power outage. Or, an outage could cost you thousands of dollars. Either way, it's important to be aware of the potential risks.

When a power outage ends, the large surge of electricity that goes to your home can damage your electronics. To protect your property, make sure you either unplug or use a surge protector for major electronics like computers and televisions.

It's more difficult to avoid damage directly to your house. For example, if the outage occurs during a hurricane and you can't run your sump pump, you could experience flooding in your basement. This could cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $25,000!

Similarly, if the outage occurs during a winter storm and you lose heat, your pipes could burst (something that happened to quite a few people during the 2021 Texas freeze), costing anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Alternative housing

Cost: about $150/night, depending on the location and quality of the hotel

Sometimes, the damage to your home from an outage is bad enough that you need to find alternative housing. You also could decide that your need for power is worth paying the cost of a hotel.

Your costs here depend on where you're looking for alternative housing, the quality of the hotel, and how long you need to stay there. If you have a friend or family member nearby with power, it's always worth checking if you can stay with them!

How much do power outages cost businesses?

Are power outages dangerous?

Absolutely! These are some of the biggest health risks associated with power outages:

• Spoiled food. Remember how we mentioned that food could spoil quickly without refrigeration? If you've ever gotten food poisoning, you know that eating spoiled can lead to misery and serious health risks.

• Mold buildup. Water damage from flooding can cause harmful mold to form in your house.

• Extreme heat/cold. During extreme heat or cold, not having access to air conditioning or heating (assuming you also lose heat during the outage, which isn't always the case) can present a high risk.

• Medical device failure. If you need to store medication in a fridge or require electricity to power medical devices, you need to have a reliable backup source for power outages.

Outside of your home, you should be cautious around downed power lines (always assume they're active) and extra careful at traffic lights that aren't working.

How to protect yourself from power outages

Solar panels on their own don't work during a power outage. But if you install batteries with your solar panels, you'll have a reliable backup source—and it won't be noisy or require refueling like a generator.

Batteries turn your home into an "energy island," allowing you to keep your devices powered regardless of the grid's condition. With a large enough battery system, you can keep your fridge, sump pump, AC/heating source, and medical devices running, significantly reducing the health risks associated with power outages.

Modern battery systems are designed to automatically kick in when the grid goes down, so you might not even notice when an outage happens. This seamless backup power can save you from the financial headaches and safety risks that come with extended power loss, making energy storage a smart investment for your home's resiliency and your peace of mind.

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While virtually no clean energy program survived this summer’s legislative process unscathed, the 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D of the U.S. tax code) got the shorter end of the stick compared to its commercial counterpart, the 48E tax credit—meaning leasing solar panels may now be more affordable than buying them yourself. 

Signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)  dramatically narrowed the timeline for homeowners to claim the federal solar tax credit. The Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 had extended the residential credit through 2034, but under current law, it now expires at the end of 2025. To qualify, homeowner-owned systems must be installed by December 31, 2025.

However, solar companies that offer third-party ownership (TPO) solar models—such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs)—can still claim the 30% commercial solar tax credit under Section 48E after 2025, albeit with new restrictions and a condensed timeline. TPO projects will remain eligible as long as construction begins before July 4, 2026, or if the system is placed in service by December 31, 2027. This effectively gives TPO projects an additional two years of eligibility compared to homeowner-owned eligibility, which is being cut short at the end of this year.

In addition to the OBBBA, persistently high interest rates have also set the stage for more growth in TPO solar models, according to the 21st edition of the EnergySage Intel: Solar & Storage Marketplace Report. 

“By cutting nearly a decade off the residential solar credit, the OBBBA abruptly reshaped the economics of going solar,” said Emily Walker, director of insights at EnergySage and author of the organization’s 21st Marketplace Report. “Homeowners interested in purchasing a solar panel system in cash will need to move quickly, while providers offering TPO products can continue to leverage federal incentives for a bit longer.”

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Some states will benefit more from TPO than others

The limited continuation of 48E for TPO projects offers a silver lining as the residential solar market adjusts to the loss of 25D and other headwinds, including steep tariffs and increasingly hostile political rhetoric. But access to these benefits isn’t universal. States that allow solar PPAs and leases are much better positioned to weather federal policy changes, while those that restrict TPO are likely to see solar adoption slow.

TPO solar explained

TPO, or leased, solar panel systems are installed on residential rooftops, but are considered commercial equipment for tax purposes because they stay under the ownership of the solar company—not the homeowner. Homeowners use the electricity generated and pay the solar company monthly, often at rates lower than those of the utility. Since the system remains under company ownership, the solar company claims the tax benefits, not the homeowner. 

With leases and PPAs, homeowners typically sign long-term agreements—usually 20 to 25 years—while the solar provider maintains ownership of the physical panels. This setup requires little to no upfront cost and removes maintenance responsibilities from homeowners, but the major downside to leasing is that it almost always provides much less long-term savings than owning a system outright that is purchased with cash or a loan.

Solar lease vs. power purchase agreement (PPA)

PPAs and solar leases are similar, but not interchangeable. The key difference is how you’re charged for your power each month. With a PPA, homeowners agree to pay a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced by the solar panel system, and you pay based on the amount of electricity you use every month. That means that your monthly bill will vary depending on how much energy you use. For example, your bill will likely be higher in the summer months when you’re using your air conditioning every day. 

If you’re looking for a predictable monthly payment that never changes, a solar lease may be a better option. A solar lease charges a flat monthly fee to use the system regardless of how much energy you use every month. In either case, the rate is usually lower than the local utility’s electricity rate, which should generate monthly bill savings right off the bat. 

Both models allow households to avoid upfront installation costs, though they sacrifice direct ownership and the financial savings that come with the ability to claim tax credits yourself.

2026 could be a breakout year for TPO solar

The elimination of the residential credit makes it more expensive for homeowners to purchase solar panel systems outright—but as electricity rates continue to rise and show no signs of slowing down, the economics of going solar still remain strong, even without tax incentives. At the same time, the partial preservation of 48E strengthens the case for TPO projects: Because solar providers can still claim a 30% credit against their installation costs, customers will ideally continue to see lower prices than if the credit had been eliminated entirely.

The extra two years of commercial tax credit eligibility create a meaningful buffer for the industry. Installers and financiers will be able to continue building out residential solar projects while capturing federal credits, even as the residential credit disappears for homeowner-owned systems. Combined with high interest rates that have discouraged solar loan financing, this policy is expected to push more homeowners toward TPO offerings.

“That extra time is consequential for installers,” Walker explained. “It allows them to continue developing residential projects with the tax credit, even as the credit for purchased systems disappears. For some homeowners, that will make TPO the most accessible entry point into solar.”

Local policies will drive—or block—TPO solar adoption

Homeowners’ access to TPO financing depends heavily on where they live.

Some states explicitly allow both PPAs and leases, others ban them outright, and many fall into a gray area where policies remain unclear. For example, Florida bans PPAs but allows solar leases. If you live in a state that restricts access to PPAs, you may still be able to benefit from TPO solar through a lease model.

While the table in this section outlines PPA availability, information on solar leases is less consistently documented. Homeowners interested in lease availability should check with their state’s public utilities commission (PUC) for the most up-to-date information.

In states where TPO is permitted, solar companies can continue to claim the 30% federal credit through Section 48E, and may choose to pass those savings along to customers even as the residential credit disappears. That tax advantage helps insulate those markets from policy-driven slowdowns. With interest rates still high, households in these states also gain access to little-to-no-upfront-cost options that make solar financially viable. 

By contrast, states that prohibit or restrict TPO may see adoption stall. Homeowners in these markets will be left with cash purchases or loans as their only financing options. Although most solar loans these days require no down payment and no additional upfront investment, having a TPO option available still gives homeowners more choice overall. Without the federal solar tax credit, customers face longer solar payback periods, or the time it takes to break even on a solar investment. In states with relatively low electricity rates, like Washington, going solar may not even make financial sense once the residential solar tax credit disappears. 

“In states that allow TPO, providers can continue developing projects with the support of federal incentives,” Walker said. “But in states that restrict leases and PPAs, the loss of the residential tax credit extends payback periods significantly in areas with lower electricity rates, potentially slowing adoption.”

PPA access by state

Even without tax credits, rising electricity prices keep solar attractive

Even as federal incentives shift under the OBBBA, rising electricity prices continue to push homeowners toward solar. Electric bills are climbing steadily across the country, which is a trend unlikely to slow down amid the surge in AI data center–driven demand, which will only continue to grow.

While the loss of the residential tax credit will raise the cost of solar ownership in the near term and uneven state policies limit access to TPO, the core economics remain compelling. For most homeowners, solar is still one of the most effective ways to stabilize your energy costs in the face of electricity rate volatility, political uncertainty, and our changing climate.

America's power grid is struggling.

Power outages have increased a staggering 20% annually since 2019, with weather-induced blackouts now threatening millions of households across the country—especially along the coasts, the Great Lakes, and Gulf regions.

New research from Texas A&M University shows that these power outage hot spots face the highest levels of vulnerability, putting families at risk during extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and severe.

You can't control the weather, but you can control how you prepare for future storms by protecting yourself with clean energy: Solar battery systems can be a lifeline during extreme weather.

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Texas and California lead the nation in blackouts

Between 2000 and 2023, Texas was the leading U.S. state for major power outages, with more than 200 blackouts. In 2023 alone, Texas accounted for 13% of all power outages across the country. California followed, with 238 major power outages, while Louisiana residents endure the longest average blackouts at 470 minutes, or about eight hours. When the power goes out for days at a time, families face spoiled food, medical equipment failures, and dangerous indoor temperatures.

"We knew that the state of power system vulnerability nationwide is exacerbating,” said Dr. Ali Mostafavi, the director of the Urban Resilience AI Lab, in the report. “But the magnitude of that was shocking, and greater than we hypothesized." 

The Texas A&M research team used machine learning to analyze over 179 million data points sorted by time and location, creating a Power System Vulnerability Index (PSVI) that maps America's most at-risk counties. Their findings confirm what many people already realize: The grid is getting worse, not better.

Solar and batteries beat generators during outages

When severe storms knock out power lines or heat waves overwhelm the grid, most homeowners typically reach for gas generators. But solar panels combined with battery storage systems offer advantages that generators can't match—they're silent, emission-free, and can power your home instantly without manual startup.

Modern battery systems store electricity from the grid or solar panels when rates are low, then automatically kick in during outages. Unlike generators that require constant refueling and maintenance, batteries provide seamless backup power that keeps your refrigerator running, medical devices operational, and lights on without the carbon monoxide risks of running a generator.

Adoption rates are rising as more people learn about the benefits of batteries: Thirty four percent of EnergySage shoppers purchased batteries alongside solar in the first half of 2024, and that rate increased to 45% by the end of the year. During extended outages, batteries paired with solar panels can recharge daily, providing long-term backup power as long as the sun shines. Generators eventually run out of fuel—and good luck finding gas stations with power during widespread blackouts.

The real cost of going without solar and backup power

The impacts of climate change impact some areas disproportionately: States like Alabama and Mississippi recently saw seasonal power outage spikes exceeding 50%. These aren't abstract statistics—they represent families losing hundreds of dollars in spoiled food, missing work, and risking heat stroke or hypothermia.

Power outages are expensive 

Power outages cost homeowners anywhere from as little as $25 for emergency supplies to $25,000 or more for major property damage (think flooded basements or burst pipes). Even a typical outage will run a family about $200 in spoiled groceries, not counting lost days working, hotel stays, or damaged electronics. For people with health conditions who have medical equipment that requires refrigeration or electricity, the consequences can be life-threatening.

So while it’s true that solar-plus-storage is a pricey upfront investment, the reasons why it’s worth it are apparent. A system typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000 after the federal solar tax credit, depending on system size. While that's a significant chunk of money, consider that a single extended outage can cost thousands of dollars or result in a medical emergency.

If you’re interested in adding battery storage to your existing solar panels, or getting solar-plus-storage for the first time, you’ll receive the full 30% tax credit if you act now and have them installed by the end of the year. You’ll end up paying thousands more if you wait to install your clean energy system until 2026 or later.

Climate change guarantees more blackouts ahead

This isn't a temporary problem that utility companies will fix next year—it's an accelerating crisis driven by extreme weather and aging infrastructure.

About 80% of major power outages in the U.S. from 2000 to 2023  were due to weather events, and the number of those outages in the last decade was double that of the previous one. Which means that as hurricanes intensify, heat waves stretch longer, and winter storms become more severe, the grid will continue failing more frequently.

Battery storage provides insurance against this new reality. While utilities struggle to modernize decades-old infrastructure, installing a battery system now will protect your family through whatever weather extremes the coming decades bring.

Taking action before the next outage hits

The coasts, the Great Lakes, and Gulf regions are the highest-risk areas, putting millions of American families who live in power outage hot spots at risk. The question isn't whether you'll face extended blackouts, but when.

Solar panels with battery storage have evolved from an expensive investment to an essential home resilience upgrade. As outages surge and extreme weather becomes our new normal, the choice is simple: Invest in solar and backup power now while prices are lower and tax credits remain available.

Randy Harrison stands outside his farmhouse in Lincoln, Massachusetts, reflecting on a four-year journey that has finally led to solar panels on his roof. Now that his installation is complete, he’s most excited for one simple, symbolic moment: flipping the switch.

“The thing I’m looking forward to most once the system is installed is flipping the switch,” Randy said. “After that, I know I’ll generate my own power moving forward.”

For Randy, going solar was about more than saving money—it meant embracing sustainability, stabilizing his household energy costs, and preparing for the future.

Project spotlight

A four-year solar journey

Randy’s path to solar began in 2021–and it wasn’t easy.

“I made every mistake in the book,” he admitted. “The process to get here was unbelievable.”

In Lincoln, where heavy winter storms often knock down trees and cut power, reliability was a motivating factor to make a change. Randy had even considered a backup generator at one point. But when federal tax credits were prematurely cut this year, the urgency to make the leap to solar became clear.

What Randy didn't expect was how difficult it would be to find trustworthy partners in the solar industry.

"This [solar] business is an emerging business," Randy observed, drawing on his background as a marketing consultant. "So much of this industry is focused not on being easy to buy, but on being easy to sell. It's about making their sales numbers and hitting revenue targets—and the customer becomes a necessary evil. I really felt like a lamb ready for the slaughter."

Finding EnergySage at the right moment

Randy’s journey nearly took a wrong turn.

“I was in the process of concluding my first go-round with an installer, ready to sign the final paperwork, when my wife suggested we have someone take a second look,” Randy recalled.

A quick Google search led him to EnergySage—just in time. Randy submitted his nearly-signed solar agreement for review to Aliza, an EnergySage Energy Advisor, who identified a major problem.

“I found EnergySage, submitted my paperwork, and connected with Aliza, my Energy Advisor,” he said. “She’s been my guardian angel through this whole process.”

EnergySage’s advisors are unbiased, clean energy experts dedicated to helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions. Aliza’s review uncovered $8,000 in hidden financing fees buried in the fine print of Randy’s contract.

“The average cost per watt in my area was around $3. But in my agreement, it was closer to $6,” Randy said. “Aliza discovered an $8,000 finance fee that wasn’t transparent. Without her, I never would have known.”

That discovery reset Randy’s solar journey—but this time, he had the trusted guidance he needed with EnergySage.

"That was the beginning of what set me off on this journey: To find the trust I needed to make a major, significant improvement to my home," Randy added.

But trust wasn't just about finding the right installer—he also needed transparency in an area that had caused him the most confusion: financing.

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Finding a trusted loan provider

For Randy, one of the most frustrating aspects of his solar journey was getting a straight answer to a simple question: "What will my monthly cost be when all is said and done?"

"That was the most important number for me to know," Randy explained. "With all the incentives, with the financing, with everything else—what will my monthly payment be, and how does it compare to my current energy costs?”

The answer should have been straightforward, but Randy discovered that many vendors made it unnecessarily complicated. Local installers would refer him to multiple financing options.

"To figure out the monthly number was a math exercise for an accountant, not for someone like me," Randy said. "That's where the national vendors had an advantage—they could instantly give you your monthly number. But as I learned with one vendor, that instant answer came with hidden costs."

The complexity wasn't accidental. Randy realized that some companies deliberately obscured financing details to facilitate sales, not to help customers make informed decisions. 

"So many vendors I spoke with couldn't clearly explain what I'd actually be paying each month. If you can't answer that basic question transparently, how can I trust you with a 20-year financial commitment?"

The breakthrough came when Randy's chosen installer, Second Generation Energy (SGE), offered financing through Atmos Financial—a relationship built on transparency rather than hidden fees.

"The installer had this relationship with a company they trusted, and that trust extended to me,” Randy said. “I knew exactly what the fees would be. There was a financing fee, but it was a lot less than others, and it was completely on the table–completely transparent."

Most importantly, there were no prepayment penalties after a certain period—crucial for Randy's plan to pay down the system in five years. 

"Four years ago, they couldn't offer this kind of transparent financing,” he added. “They can do it now. That was part of what made this the right time to move forward with Second Generation."

Planning for today—and tomorrow

When reviewing bids through the EnergySage Marketplace, Randy appreciated seeing different equipment philosophies from each vetted installer.

“I was looking for a few different things in my solar installer,” Randy explained. “One was product knowledge. You need someone who understands how the equipment integrates together and lasts over time. The other piece was trust. I wanted a local company I could depend on.”

He ultimately chose Second Generation Energy, a Massachusetts-based installer. Every EnergySage installer is pre-screened to ensure they’ll provide homeowners with a trustworthy experience. They are rated based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness.

"Dave from Second Generation was a straight shooter," Randy added. "Over time, he and I built that trust. So I had [trust] with EnergySage, and then having that same trust extend to the installer—that was exactly what I needed."

Randy was also thinking ahead when sizing his system; he needed the system to be future-proofed for other potential clean energy additions like electric vehicles and heat pumps. As a result, SGE educated him on critical technical details, like the importance of choosing a 48-volt battery system over a 40-volt system to accommodate EV charging without shutting down his entire solar panel array.

"I would never have known about the voltage difference," Randy said, smiling. "That's where the trust with the installer comes in—to understand my needs and ensure I have a system that can accommodate future growth."

• System size: 10.5 kW 

• Panels: SunPower X21-350-BLK-E-AC  

• Inverter: Enphase Energy IQ7X-96-2-US 

Advice to homeowners

Now, with solar panels on his roof and a solar battery in his basement, Randy is ready to lock in his energy costs and embrace a sustainable future. Reflecting on his journey, Randy describes the solar market as “the rootin’ tootin’ West.”

“There are so many sales pitches out there—it can be overwhelming. But with EnergySage, I finally found the trust I needed to make a major improvement to my home.”

Randy’s advice to other homeowners considering solar boils down to one word: trust.

"If you don't have trust, you need to find it,” he says. “Some people may find trust in working with a national vendor. For me, I needed individual attention for my specific needs."

Randy also emphasized the importance of having an unaffiliated advocate: 

"I would argue everybody needs an unaffiliated partner in this process. Having EnergySage in the mix is critically important—a resource that has the knowledge and insights, and is focused on you as a customer."

For Randy, the four-year journey was worth it to find the right partners and solution. His advice to friends considering solar is simple: 

"Run–don't walk–and contact EnergySage right away!"

Solar is a significant investment, so it’s natural to worry if you notice a drop in electricity production. The good news? Solar electricity generation fluctuates with the seasons, so most production dips are normal. But if you notice a persistent issue, you’ll want to ensure your equipment works properly. 

For most homeowners, their solar panels themselves require almost no attention over their decades-long lifespan. The rare issues that do occur typically arise during installation, and the only regular maintenance they may need is an occasional cleaning—often just a couple of times a year, if that.

“Solar panels don't really go bad. Sometimes you may pull it out of the box and it doesn't work, but that's about it. Very seldom have I seen a solar panel go bad once it’s installed,” Duane Wright, president of Fused Solar and Roofing, told EnergySage. “As long as it rains enough to remove bird droppings, dust, and pollen, that’s pretty much all the maintenance needed.”

Inverters, on the other hand, are another story: They’re commonly the real suspects for solar panel system issues.

Inverters are usually the culprit of solar energy issues

While solar panels themselves are remarkably durable, your solar inverters are more likely to require repairs or replacements. If you notice a sudden dip in production, it’s often due to an inverter issue likely caused by overheating, electrical surges, or improper installation. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward to fix.

What is a solar inverter?

Solar inverters are responsible for turning the energy generated by your solar panels into usable electricity for your home and appliances. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, while your home uses alternating current (AC) electricity. Inverters are the middleman: They convert DC electricity to AC electricity, enabling you to harness solar power for your home. 

Microinverters vs. string inverters

There are two main types of solar inverters: String inverters and microinverters. A string inverter is a centralized inverter located at ground level that converts electricity from multiple panels, sometimes the entire system. It’s the more affordable option, and maintenance is typically easier and cheaper. However, string inverters are less efficient than microinverters and can make expanding your system tricky.

Microinverters convert electricity at the panel level and are usually more efficient than string inverters. Each panel has its own inverter mounted on its back, which enables panel-level monitoring and optimization, but that also makes them harder to maintain and repair.

“Most maintenance we do involves replacing or repairing microinverters. If you have 25 microinverters on a 25-panel system, there are 25 fault points, and they’re underneath the panels on the roof,” Wright explained. “With string inverters, there's only one fault point, and it’s at ground level.”

How to troubleshoot solar panel system issues

For starters, remember that not every dip in production signals a problem. Solar panels generally produce less energy during the cloudy winter months and more during the sunnier spring and summer—seasonal fluctuations are completely normal and to be expected.

Most solar panel systems include a monitoring system accessible via a smartphone app. These apps let you see real-time energy production and often send alerts if your system isn’t performing as expected.

If you receive an alert or notice that your system isn’t producing as much as it should for the season, it’s best to contact a professional certified by your manufacturer to troubleshoot the issue. Tampering with your solar equipment yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

What if your solar installer goes out of business?

Your original installer should be your first point of contact for any maintenance or repair needs. However, some companies may not stay in business for your solar panel system's entire 25-year lifespan—especially given the expected impact of recent federal policy changes on residential solar installers. If your installer closes its business, you’ll need to find another company to repair your system. 

Orphaned solar panel systems

As the solar industry reacts to policy changes and economic headwinds, more companies are offering operations and maintenance (O&M) packages for “orphaned” systems, a term for solar setups left without an installer. When selecting a new solar company, the most important thing to confirm is whether or not that company is certified by your equipment manufacturer to work on your system. Any work done by an uncertified company can void your warranty, so start your search by contacting your manufacturer. They can often recommend local companies authorized to work on your system. If you do any work on your system yourself, you could also void your warranty, so make sure to read the fine print.

Understanding solar panel repair costs

How much any potential solar panel repair will cost depends on your manufacturer’s warranty: Most cover the parts necessary for repairs, but only some pay for the labor required to service your system. For example, Tesla’s standard warranty covers labor costs for its inverters; Enphase’s does not. Those labor costs are on you if you need to repair or replace your Enphase microinverters. 

Labor costs will vary depending on the service company and the type of work you need done. As Wright mentioned, repairing a microinverter on top of a roof is a much different job than troubleshooting a string inverter in a garage. But in general, expect to pay around a couple of hundred dollars for a service visit if your equipment warranty doesn’t cover labor.

Solar panels rarely fail

The reality is that solar panels are built to last, often for decades, with minimal intervention for repairs or maintenance. Seasonal changes or inverter issues cause most production dips—not the panels themselves. By monitoring your system, cleaning occasionally, and relying on certified professionals for repairs, you can keep your solar investment running smoothly for years to come.

If you see a drop in solar production, don’t panic. Check your monitoring system, understand the seasonal context, and contact your installer or manufacturer-certified technician. As long as you keep an eye on them, solar panels are a reliable, low-maintenance way to harness the sun’s energy.

If you’re planning a cross-country electric vehicle (EV) road trip and worried about “charging deserts” between cities, you’re probably overlooking a hidden network that’s been there all along.

Across the U.S., more than 13,000 RV parks and campgrounds dot the country—and many are the perfect spot to stop and charge your EV on a long road trip. Most RV parks are actually equipped with the same 240-volt outlets that EV users need to charge their cars. That means you’ve got more charging options than you might think.

Although these campgrounds weren’t designed with EVs in mind, their dynamic electrical setups make them surprisingly practical pit stops. Whether a major campground chain or a mom-and-pop site, RV parks can help ease range anxiety for EV drivers eager to venture off the beaten path.

That said, it’s smart to call the parks ahead and check their availability. Campground policies vary: Some campgrounds happily allow EV charging with or without an overnight stay, but a few simply don’t have the power capacity to support it—and others forbid it. A quick phone call can spare you from a long detour.

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Why RV parks are a hidden gem for EV charging

Aside from being located almost everywhere, RV parks come with unique perks for EV drivers. Unlike the late-night scramble to find a fast charger, you can often reserve your spot days, weeks, or even months in advance. Popular destinations fill up quickly, but once you secure a reservation, you can set out on your trip knowing you have a guaranteed place to plug in.

"What makes RV parks such a smart solution for EV drivers is that their infrastructure mirrors what we recommend for home charging—240-volt Level 2 outlets,” Carmen Robinson, senior vice president of residential solutions for Qmerit, told EnergySage. “Whether you’re in your garage or at a campground, the ability to charge overnight while you rest ensures you start the next day with confidence and range."

With a Level 2 charger, which is what most people use to charge their cars at home, you can count on adding about 20 miles of range for every hour you're plugged in—meaning an overnight stay can easily give you 150+ miles for the next day's adventure. That’s slower than DC fast chargers, but that doesn’t matter while you’re sleeping or relaxing by the campfire: You rest, your car charges, and you’re ready to roll with a full battery in the morning.

In fact, that slower charging pace also benefits your EV’s long-term battery health. Fast charging is great in a pinch, but steady overnight charging is easier on your EV’s battery system.

Finally, RV parks are typically budget-friendly. When you factor in overnight accommodations—whether you're camping, staying in a cabin, or simply sleeping in your vehicle—you’re often paying less than you would for a hotel room and a separate charge stop.

When RV park charging might not work for you

RV park charging isn’t always a perfect solution. The biggest drawback is time—if you’re looking for a quick 20-minute boost, this won’t cut it. You’ll need at least four to six hours to add meaningful range, which makes overnight stays the most practical option.

Another challenge is availability. Not all parks allow EV charging. Some worry about stressing older electrical systems, while others see it as an unfair use of resources truly meant for RVs. Plenty of RV campgrounds are suitable for charging, but it’s something to consider when booking campgrounds.

You need to bring your own charger

One of the most important things to remember? You’ll also need to bring your own equipment. RV parks provide outlets, but you’ll need to pack your own charger and adapter—for most EV drivers that’s usually a NEMA 14-50 adapter. 

The weather may not be on your side

Lastly, consider the weather factor. Unlike covered charging stations, RV park outlets are often exposed. The equipment is designed to handle rain, but plugging in during a downpour or snowstorm can make for a less-than-pleasant experience.

How to find EV-friendly RV sites

RV parks have been around for decades, but finding the right ones for EV charging no longer requires flipping through guidebooks. Apps like PlugShare let you filter for campgrounds with the types of outlets you need, while reviews from other EV drivers provide valuable details on which sites truly welcome EV charging and what to expect. Traditional RV apps like Allstays can also help you locate campgrounds with 50-amp hookups along your route.

When booking a charging station, you should ask three key questions:

1. Can I charge my EV here?

2. Do you have 50-amp sites available?

3. What’s the cost?

Remember that timing matters, too. RV parks near national parks and other popular destinations tend to sell out months in advance during peak season, so make your reservation early if you’re road-tripping in the summer. Traveling in the off-season usually means more availability and sometimes lower prices.

How much does EV charging at RV parks cost?

Your charging costs will vary. Some campgrounds bundle electricity into the nightly site fee, ranging from $20 to $100 per night, while others add a separate charge for EV use. Extra fees typically run $10 to $20 per night as a flat rate, though some parks charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh) instead.

What to know before hitting the road

Charging your EV at an RV park can take a little more planning ahead than plugging in at a dedicated charging station. Here’s what to be aware of:

Test your setup first

Before you leave, double-check your charger at home to confirm it works with the type of outlet you’ll use on the road. Get familiar with any settings that let you adjust charging speed—some campgrounds may ask you to dial it back during peak demand.

Have a backup plan

Even with a reservation, outlets can sometimes be faulty or unavailable. Always arrive with enough charge to reach the next charging option if necessary.

Know your outlets

Most RV power pedestals have three types: a large round 50-amp outlet (the one you want for your Level 2 EV charger), a smaller three-pronged 30-amp outlet, and standard household outlets. Stick with the 50-amp when possible—the 30-amp will charge your EV, but at a much slower pace.

Mind your manners

If the campground asks you to lower the charging speed to protect their system, do it. You’ll still wake up with plenty of range and also help ensure EVs remain welcome at RV parks. Some EV owners will even offer to pay a little extra for the electricity they use—an offer that can help foster good relationships.

The next frontier for long-distance EV travel

RV parks are an underexplored resource that make ambitious EV road trips possible. While they won’t replace the speed of DC fast chargers for quick stops, they stand out as overnight charging outposts in corners of the country where traditional infrastructure hasn’t reached.

As Robinson puts it, "For years, we’ve focused on the convenience of home charging, but RV parks reveal just how versatile that same model can be on the road. By tapping into existing infrastructure, EV drivers can extend their journeys into places where fast chargers haven’t yet reached, without sacrificing the reliability of a full overnight charge."

As more EV drivers venture off the beaten path, campgrounds are evolving. Some are installing dedicated EV charging stations, while others are upgrading their electrical systems to handle the growing demand. This shift benefits everyone: Parks gain a new revenue stream, and drivers gain thousands of additional charging stops across America.

Range anxiety doesn’t have to limit your adventures. With some planning and the right gear, your cross-country EV journey is more than feasible.

When golf ball-sized hail started hammering Texas last spring, solar panels across the state faced their ultimate test.

The verdict? Most panels emerged unscathed, proving that today's solar technology can take a serious beating. But with extreme weather events intensifying and hail damage accounting for over half of all insured solar losses, understanding how to protect your investment has become essential for every solar homeowner.

Modern solar panels are built to withstand more damage than you might expect. Still, as homeowners from Colorado to Texas have learned, nature sometimes throws curveballs that even the toughest equipment can't dodge.

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Your solar panels are tougher than you think

Solar panels aren't as fragile as some homeowners imagine. They're built to last, with tempered glass shields that can take a beating.

“Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather,” Duane Wright of Fuse Solar and Roofing told Engergysage. “Most Tier 1 panels are tested to endure wind speeds up to 140 mph, and hail impact from 1-inch diameter hailstones traveling over 50 mph.”

Companies like UL Solutions, an applied safety science company, test solar panels by dropping a two-inch solid steel sphere from 51 inches onto panels, simulating the impact energy of serious hail. If panels survive this test without electrical hazards, then they earn their stripes for real-world deployment.

The proof is in the pudding—or in this case, the parking lot. When a severe hailstorm hammered the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Colorado campus in 2017, just one single panel out of more than 3,000 suffered damage. That's a 99.97% survival rate against Mother Nature's frozen fury.

How hail actually damages solar panels

Not all hail damage is created equal. While your panels' tempered glass provides solid protection, extreme storms can still leave their mark in several ways. Here's the most common damage you can expect from hail:

Visible damage is the most rare, but also the most obvious—cracks, chips, or shattered glass that you can spot from the ground.

Hidden microcracks are the sneaky culprits that worry experts more. These microscopic fractures in solar cells might not immediately impact performance, but can spread over time like a windshield crack, gradually reducing efficiency and creating hot spots.

Cell and busbar damage happens beneath the surface when hail's impact energy transmits through the glass. Modern panels with 16 or more ultra-thin busbars are more resilient than older models, distributing electrical current more evenly and surviving localized damage better.

But the real danger comes from what experts call "concentrated impacts"—multiple hailstones hitting the same spot, creating a spiderweb of damage that weakens the entire structure. Think of it like repeatedly hitting the same spot on a car windshield; eventually, something's got to give.

What makes panels hail-resistant

When shopping for solar panels in regions where it hails a lot, certain features make some panels better at withstanding hail than others:

Glass thickness matters most. While 97% of 2-mm panels failed a 45-mm ice ball test, only 13% of 3.2-mm panels failed the same test. That extra millimeter makes a massive difference—it's like upgrading from a bicycle helmet to a motorcycle helmet.

Certification levels tell you what intensity panels can handle. Panels with UL 61730 or IEC 61730 ratings have withstood 1 to 3 inch hail traveling up to 88 mph (for perspective, that's faster than most Major League fastballs).

Frame design and support provide structural integrity. Panels with reinforced frames and middle support bars distribute impact energy better, preventing the glass from flexing and cracking under pressure.

Advanced testing standards separate premium panels from the pack. While basic certification only requires surviving 25mm sized-hail, some manufacturers like AIKO and LONGi now test against 40-45mm hailstones—softball-sized ice chunks that would make most homeowners run for cover.

Smart strategies to protect your investment

You can't stop hail, but you can minimize its impact on your solar system by taking some precautions ahead of time. Here's what to consider:

Choose the right tilt angle. Tilting panels at 60° instead of flat can increase survival likelihood from 82% to 99%. While that steep angle isn't practical for most roofs, even moderate tilts help hail bounce off rather than strike head-on.

Consider tracking systems with hail stow modes if you're installing ground-mounted panels. These automatically tilt panels to near-vertical positions when storms approach, turning direct strikes into glancing blows.

Schedule post-storm inspections even if panels look fine. Invisible damage including micro-cracks can spread over time, decreasing production and increasing fire risk. Professional inspections using infrared or electroluminescence imaging can catch problems early.

Review your insurance coverage before storms hit. Most homeowner's policies cover solar panels under dwelling protection, but verify that hail is listed as a "covered peril" and understand your coverage limits. With some installers reporting that hail causes over 50% of total insured solar losses, proper coverage is essential.

Act quickly if damage occurs. Shut down your system immediately if you spot visible damage, preventing electrical hazards. Document everything with photos for insurance claims, and contact your installer for a professional assessment.

Weather concerns shouldn't stop you from going solar

Here's what homeowners should remember: Solar panels are built to last decades in harsh conditions, and most will shrug off typical hailstorms without missing a beat. Modern panels undergo rigorous testing that would destroy most other outdoor equipment.

But the weather overall is becoming more extreme. As climate patterns shift and "hundred-year storms" seem to arrive every few years, investing in quality panels with robust hail ratings makes sense—especially in Hail Alley states like Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska.

The math still works in solar's favor. Even accounting for potential hail damage, solar remains one of the best investments homeowners can make. With proper panel selection, smart installation choices, and adequate insurance coverage, your solar system will likely outlast your roof—come hail or high water.

Google just pulled back the curtain on one of tech's best-kept secrets: exactly how much energy its Gemini AI uses with every prompt. The answer—0.24 watt-hours (Wh) per median query—might seem small at first (about the same as running your microwave for one second). But multiply that by billions of daily interactions, and it suddenly becomes clear just how much energy AI is really using every day. 

This level of transparency in a new report from Google provides comprehensive data on per-prompt energy usage. It's a wake-up call about how Silicon Valley's AI race will impact the trajectory of clean energy demand—and translate into increased energy costs for everyday Americans.

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Inside Google's energy revelation

"We wanted to be quite comprehensive in all the things we included," Jeff Dean, Google's chief scientist, told MIT Technology Review in an interview. And comprehensive it is—Google's analysis reveals that the AI chips powering Gemini account for just 58% of the total electricity demand.

The remaining energy appetite breaks down into surprising categories: 25% goes to supporting hardware like CPUs and memory, 10% powers backup equipment sitting idle but ready, and 8% runs the cooling systems and power conversion necessary to keep everything operational. Every Gemini query triggers this entire infrastructure cascade.

One particularly interesting fact? Complex prompts consume far more energy, according to the report. If you feed Gemini dozens of books for a detailed synopsis, use its reasoning models, or ask it to generate images instead of text, its energy consumption spikes dramatically above the median. The company's data shows that Gemini's median prompt used 33 times more energy in May 2024 than it did in May 2025, though it says improvements in efficiency have brought consumption down.

Google's carbon math isn't a win for your utility bills

Google estimates each Gemini query produces 0.03 grams of carbon dioxide—a figure that sounds reassuringly small until you dig into the math. The company calculates this using its own market-based emissions, factoring in its 22 gigawatts of clean energy purchases since 2010. On paper, Google's emissions per unit of electricity are one-third of the average grid's.

While Google can claim carbon neutrality through renewable energy purchases, the actual electricity powering those data centers still draws from the same stressed grid that powers your home. The real-world impact becomes clearer when you zoom out from individual queries to Google's total footprint. The company's data centers, along with those from other tech giants, are driving unprecedented demand growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity demand from data centers worldwide will more than double by 2030 to around 945 terawatt-hours—more than Japan's entire annual consumption.

The effect of AI on your monthly electric bill

Google's report arrives at a critical moment for American homeowners. Data centers currently consume about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity, but that's projected to reach 11-12% by 2030. In practical terms, that means power that could otherwise keep rates stable is instead being diverted to answer prompts about recipe substitutions and homework help.

The math for homeowners isn't pretty. Goldman Sachs estimates $720 billion in grid upgrades will be needed through 2030 to meet this demand—costs that utilities pass directly to consumers. Depending on where you live, residential electricity rates are projected to rise between 15% and 40% by 2030, with the average household facing about $143 more per year in electricity costs.

Google's report also reveals that data centers consume 0.26 milliliters of water (about five drops) per prompt. But those drops add up when multiplied by billions of queries, putting additional strain on resources in drought-prone regions where Google operates major data centers.

We need more AI data

While Google's disclosure represents a significant step toward transparency, the company still hasn’t revealed how many total Gemini queries it processes daily, making it impossible to calculate the AI's total energy footprint. The report also strictly limits itself to text prompts, leaving out the substantially higher energy costs of image and video generation.

More top of mind for homeowners may be what Google's efficiency improvements actually mean. When companies make AI more efficient, history shows they don't use less energy—they simply run more queries. It's the digital equivalent of widening highways to reduce traffic, only to find that more cars fill the new lanes.

How solar helps fight back against AI's grid strain

The irony isn't lost on energy experts: while Google's data centers strain the grid, distributed solar generation from homeowners could actually help stabilize it. Solar prices hit a record low of $2.50 per watt in the second half of 2024—a dramatic decrease from over $3.80 per watt in 2014, according to EnergySage. For homeowners, this means building your own energy independence is much more affordable, even as AI drives grid demand higher.

Rooftop solar provides what data centers take away: distributed generation that reduces strain on transmission lines and helps prevent the brownouts and rolling blackouts that become more likely as facilities like Google's multiply. An 11-kilowatt system—the average quoted on EnergySage—can offset approximately 14,000 kWh annually. If you do the math, that works out to roughly the equivalent of preventing 58,000 Gemini queries from impacting the grid each year.

The benefits compound during peak demand periods when both AI data centers and air conditioning usage spike. Solar panels produce the most electricity during these same afternoon hours, providing crucial relief when the grid needs it most. A recent study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) found that 44% of households that went solar in 2023 earned less than $100,000 annually, with most earning between $50,000 and $100,000—proving that solar isn't just for the wealthy, but a practical defense against AI-driven rate increases.

Solar and clean energy can lower AI's impact

Google's transparency is refreshing, but it doesn't change the fundamental equation: AI's energy appetite is growing, and ultimately, homeowners will help foot the bill. The question isn't whether Gemini and its AI siblings will impact your electricity costs, but by how much.

Every question typed into Gemini contributes to a system where tech companies reap the benefits while homeowners absorb the infrastructure costs – but the equation shifts when homeowners become energy producers rather than just consumers. Investing in clean energy can change the outcome of AI’s energy appetite and keep energy affordable for everyone.

You’ve probably seen the Tesla Solar Roof—sleek tiles, futuristic vibe, and hefty price tag. Here’s what most people don’t realize: Tesla isn’t your only solar roof option.

Tesla may have put solar roofs on the map, but long wait times, high costs, and mixed customer service reviews have many homeowners looking elsewhere. Companies like CertainTeed, Luma Solar, and GAF Energy also sell solar roofs that look just as appealing, last for decades, and will slash your electric bills—often with faster installs, lower costs (though still more expensive than traditional solar panels), and fewer headaches.

With the federal solar tax credit set to disappear after 2025, choosing the right solar product and installer could be the difference between locking in an additional $9,000 in savings now or missing out entirely. For many homeowners, that might mean skipping Tesla and going with a competitor that can deliver results on time.

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What is a solar roof?

Solar roofs provide all the benefits of solar without the “look” of solar panels. Instead of mounting panels to your existing roof, you replace the roof with solar-integrated roofing materials. 

A solar roof is your roof—the shingles themselves produce electricity, so no bulky equipment is necessary. That’s a major difference between solar roofs and solar panels— you can remove your solar panels from your roof if you ever need to because they’re still separate equipment. 

Why people are looking past Tesla

Tesla’s Solar Roof is well-known, but far from the perfect option. Many homeowners have been turned off by Tesla’s long installation wait times and inconsistent customer service for years. And now, a growing number of prospective customers say they don’t want their home projects tied to Elon Musk’s increasingly polarizing public persona.

Given Tesla's notoriously long wait times, going solar with Musk’s company could also cost you money.

The Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) eliminates the 30% federal solar tax credit for homeowners after December 31, 2025—meaning that all systems installed on January 1, 2026, and beyond won’t qualify for the credit, which is a very tight time crunchSome Tesla customers have reported install wait times of up to two years, so if you want to be certain you’ll get your system installed and approved before these federal policy changes take effect, a who has available inventory now might be your best bet.

Solar roof vs. traditional solar panels

Solar roofs and regular solar panels both power your home with clean energy. One of the main differences is simply the aesthetics. With a solar roof, the “panels” are built right into your roofing material, giving you a sleek, seamless appearance. This can boost curb appeal, especially if you dislike the look of traditional solar setups. However, that design integration comes with a tradeoff: Solar roofs are much more expensive, and installation requires a complete roof replacement.

On the other hand, standard rooftop solar panels are faster and cheaper to install, and they’re generally more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. You can mount them on your existing roof and have your system up and running in less time than it would take to “turn on” a solar roof. 

If you already need a new roof and want to go solar, a solar roof can be a stylish two-in-one solution. But traditional panels are usually more cost-effective if your roof is in good shape and what you’re looking for is maximum savings.

Solar roofs that aren’t Tesla

CertainTeed SunStyle

CertainTeed’s SunStyle solar roof offers a sleek, frame-free design that looks attractive with a variety of kinds of architecture. It’s an ideal choice for homeowners who value design just as much as energy savings. 

The brand’s SunStyle tiles have the highest output per panel of any product on our list. However, they’re less efficient than Luma Solar’s product and fall short of GAF’s performance warranty. 

Luma Solar Luma Air

Luma Solar’s Luma Air offers a luxury alternative to solar panels. The shingles are upgradeable, allowing homeowners to swap them out as technology improves. At 22.1%, Luma Air is the most efficient solar product on our list. 

The company offers a short product warranty of just 5 years—20 years less than both Certainteed and GAF’s warranty terms—but Luma does offer 25 years of power production coverage.

GAF Timberline Solar Roof

GAF’s Timberline Solar Roof can be installed with a nail gun, making it faster and easier to build than many other solar roofs. The shingles are installed with the company’s Timberline roof and designed to blend in seamlessly. However, solar cell efficiency isn’t included in the product’s data sheet, so if that’s important to you, it’s probably smart to look elsewhere. 

GAF’s product warranty is solid, and its performance warranty just beats out that of Certainteed and Luma Solar: The Timberline Solar Roof should maintain 84.8% of its original output in year 25.

Best non-Tesla solar roofs

Should you install a solar roof?

Tesla may grab the headlines, but CertainTeed, Luma Solar, and GAF prove there’s more than one way to get a sleek and sustainable energy-producing roof. With multiple styles, quicker installs, and often lower prices, a non-Tesla solar roof could be the best choice for your home and your budget.

Traditional rooftop solar panels still make the most sense financially, and usually performance-wise in most cases. But if you’re looking for the most attractive option when it comes to curb appeal, solar roofs are really about the look and style, offering a unique option for homeowners who are willing to pay more for design to enjoy the benefits of clean energy.

When temperatures soared past 100°F across the U.S. during this summer's brutal heat dome, millions of Americans cranked up their air conditioners—and watched their electricity bills skyrocket. In the last decade alone, Americans have seen their electric bills rise 32%—outpacing the rate of inflation.

On top of rising bills, consistent power blackouts across the country left families sweltering without relief. The Department of Energy even issued an emergency order in late June to address potential grid shortfall issues in the Southeast U.S.

So how can you protect yourself from both crushing electricity costs and dangerous outages? One of the best ways is to invest in clean energy to power your home. It means you don’t have to rely on the grid or worry about prices increasing over time, giving you true energy independence. It’s worth considering solar panels paired with battery storage to give you peace of mind and security — especially now, while the 30% federal tax credit is still available through December 31, 2025.

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What exactly is a heat dome and what does it have to do with clean energy?

A heat dome is a weather phenomenon consisting of extreme heat that is caused when the atmosphere traps hot air as if bounded by a lid or cap. Think of it as nature's pressure cooker settling over millions of people.

How heat domes form

Heat domes happen when strong high pressure atmospheric conditions remain stationary for an unusual amount of time, preventing convection and precipitation and keeping hot air "trapped" within a region. The physics behind them creates a vicious cycle: As the warm air attempts to rise, the high pressure above it acts as a dome, forcing the air down and causing it to get hotter and hotter. This self-sustaining heating loop can persist for days or even weeks.

Climate change makes them worse

Studies indicate that human-induced climate change plays a significant role in the formation of heat domes. They're becoming more frequent and more intense, making them a growing threat to both human health and our electrical infrastructure. 2025 is likely to become the second hottest year on record, only behind 2024.

The grid can't handle the heat—literally

When heat domes park over populated areas, electricity demand explodes. But America's aging power grid struggles to keep up for several reasons.

Physical infrastructure fails

Extreme heat physically damages the infrastructure itself:

• Power lines made of steel and aluminum expand and sag, potentially failing or triggering wildfires

• Power plants struggle to shed excess heat, becoming less efficient and more prone to breakdowns

• Transformers and other equipment overheat and fail under sustained high temperatures

Unprecedented demand strains

The grid faces unprecedented strain from competing demands. According to data from Whisker Labs, there has been a 100% increase in "grid faults" since January 2022. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation reports that large parts of the U.S. have insufficient power reserves to operate in "above-normal conditions."

Add in power-hungry data centers for artificial intelligence—which will use more electricity than households for the first time ever next year—and you have a recipe for disaster.

Your electricity bills are only going up

The numbers are sobering. Consumers will experience another year of record high prices for home cooling, with the average cost of electricity projected to reach $784, up 6.2% from $737 last year for summer 2025, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).

Rising costs compound

Across the country, electricity prices have jumped more than twice as fast as the overall cost of living. The reasons compound each other:

• Natural gas costs for power generation jumped more than 40% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024

• Another 17% increase is expected next year

• Aging infrastructure requires billions in upgrades

• Data centers and electric vehicles are driving unprecedented demand growth

The average household's annual electricity bill could rise about $219 in 2025 relative to 2022, to about $1,902 from $1,683, according to a CNBC analysis of federal data. But that assumes usage stays the same, which it won't if heat domes become more common— meaning the increase in your electric bill is likely to be even higher than that.

Solar and batteries: Your personal power plant

"The surplus of solar energy during the day helped prevent blackouts," Pawel Czyzak, Europe programme director at Ember, told Euronews, referring to how solar helped European grids pass the stress test during the 2025 heatwave. "Perhaps the biggest opportunity is to store solar electricity, to help power air conditioning well into the evening."

How solar performed during heat domes

During June's heat dome, virtual power plants helped save the grid, with distributed solar playing a crucial role. In Europe, June 2025 saw the highest EU solar generation on record at 45 terrawatt hours (TWh), flooding grids with cheap electricity precisely when it was needed most.

The magic of battery backup

Unlike solar without batteries, a solar-plus-battery installation keeps your power on by "islanding," or disconnecting itself from the grid when an outage is detected. Your home becomes its own mini power plant, generating clean energy during the day and storing it for use at night or during blackouts.

Recent Stanford research found significant benefits:

• About 60% of families could reduce electricity costs by 15% on average with solar-battery systems

• 63% of U.S. households could weather local or regional blackouts

• Systems can meet about half of electricity needs on average during outages

How long can batteries keep you running?

The answer depends on your usage and system size, but the numbers are encouraging.

Basic backup capacity

Without running AC or electric heat, a 10 kWh battery alone can power critical electrical systems in an average house for at least 24 hours. With solar panels continuously recharging batteries during daylight, systems can fully meet backup needs over 3-day outages in virtually all U.S. counties.

Real-world system sizes

EnergySage data shows:

• Average solar system quoted: 11 kilowatts

• Typical battery capacity: 10-13.5 kWh per unit

• Multiple units easily scalable for whole-home backup

• Systems generate significant excess power during sunny days for storage

The clock is ticking on incentives

December deadline to save 30%

Remember, the 30% federal tax credit for solar and battery storage expires at year's end. For an average system costing around $28,000 before tax incentives, that credit saves homeowners about $9,000. After the deadline, you'll pay full price. Installation timelines typically run two to four months, and the solar industry expects a significant rush in the second half of 2025.

Taking control of your energy future

As heat domes become more frequent and intense, Americans will continue paying ever-higher electricity bills and have to hope the grid holds up—or decide to invest in energy independence with solar and battery storage.

The technology has never been more affordable or reliable. More than just savings, solar and storage offer something else invaluable during extreme weather: peace of mind. When the next heat dome parks over your region and sends temperatures soaring, you'll have your own clean, reliable power keeping your family safe and comfortable.

If this summer taught us anything, it's that heat domes aren't going away. But with solar panels and battery storage, at least you'll be ready for them.

Dreams of energy independence and a simpler life are driving more Americans toward off-grid living than ever before. Interest in off-grid properties has surged since 2020, with more people seeking sustainable independence, especially as utility bills continue climbing and grid reliability becomes increasingly questionable.

Living off-grid means creating a self-sufficient home that doesn't rely on public utilities—you generate your own power, source your own water, and often grow your own food. While the transition requires careful planning and is an expensive upfront investment, most off-grid homeowners recoup their investment in about 7-10 years through eliminated bills and reduced living costs. Plus, it's reassuring to know that you can weather any storm, power outage, or economic uncertainty.

If you're ready to spend the money and commit to off-grid living, here are the 10 essential components you'll need to start your sustainable living journey.

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Solar panels and battery storage: The foundation of off-grid power

Your energy independence starts with a robust solar and battery system. Without reliable power generation and storage, everything else becomes significantly more challenging.

Solar prices reached an all-time low of $2.50 per watt in 2024—an impressive decline of more than 33% over the past decade compared to 2014, when prices were above $3.75 per watt, according to data from EnergySage. For most off-grid homes, you'll need a system capable of generating 8-15 kilowatts (kW), depending on your energy usage.

Battery storage is equally crucial for off-grid success. EnergySage data shows quoted storage prices hit a record low of $999 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in late 2024. If you want to go off-grid or power your whole home for days, you'll likely need at least 60 kWh of battery storage. The national battery attachment rate jumped to 45% in 2024—an all-time high—reflecting growing homeowner demand for energy resilience.

Modern lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are game-changers for off-grid living. These batteries have more storage capacity than lead-acid batteries and work between 5,000 and 8,000 cycles compared to the 500 cycles that lead-acid batteries typically provide.

If you think you're ready to take the off-grid plunge, it's important to remember that the30% federal tax credit for solar and battery storage expires December 31, 2025, so act now before the end of the year to save yourself thousands of dollars.

The right land and a reliable water source

Your land needs several key features to work for off-grid living : permits and legal permission for off-grid construction, access to water sources, proper soil for septic systems, and year-round accessibility. The wrong land will impact your ability to live sustainably - without the right soil, for example, you can’t grow your own food.

Most off-grid dwellings can work on one to five acres, depending on your specific goals. For basic self-reliance with minimal gardening, one to two acres is sufficient. Look for land away from strict building codes and consider property taxes—high rates can strain your budget over time.

That’s why it matters what state you choose to live in. Some areas of the country are more friendly to off-grid living than others, with less restrictions and cheaper undeveloped land prices. 

Water doesn’t run upstream

An adequate source of water is non-negotiable. A drilled well is the most reliable off-grid water source because it provides a consistent supply year-round. However, well drilling can be expensive and isn't guaranteed to produce usable water.

Another popular alternative? Rainwater harvesting: Every 1,000 square feet of roof can collect about 620 gallons of water per inch of rain. But it’s crucial that the system can store enough water to maintain at least one full month of water demand to ensure you never run dry.

Consider combining multiple water sources for maximum resilience. Many successful off-gridders use wells as their primary source with rainwater collection as backup.

Appropriate shelter: Maximizing efficiency and comfort

Your off-grid home should be designed for energy efficiency from day one. Tiny houses maximize space efficiency while minimizing environmental impact, with materials like straw bale providing high insulation, and strategic window placement reducing heating needs by 30-50%.

Whether you choose a tiny house, cabin, or traditional home, it’s important to focus on passive solar design, excellent insulation, and south-facing windows to minimize your energy needs. This means your solar system can be smaller and more affordable while still meeting your power requirements.

A waste management system

You'll need a plan for managing both greywater and blackwater. A composting waste disposal system or traditional septic system is essential, and it's always important to keep your waste far from your water source and any livestock.

Composting toilets are popular among off-gridders because they don't require water or electricity. Greywater from sinks and showers can often be diverted to irrigate gardens after proper filtration.

Food production capacity: Growing your independence

A well-planned 1,000-square-foot garden can provide for most of a family's needs when designed using permaculture principles. This includes zone planning, vertical growing, companion planting, and water-wise design.

Even if you're not ready to grow all your food, having space for a garden, greenhouse, or small livestock gives you options during supply chain disruptions or economic uncertainty.

Emergency food storage and preservation

Stock up on non-perishable foods and invest in food preservation equipment like pressure canners, dehydrators, and root cellars. Learning basic hunting, fishing, trapping, and foraging skills could keep you alive or stretch limited provisions longer.

Heating and cooling solutions: Staying comfortable year-round

Wood-burning stoves are popular for off-grid heating because they're reliable and fuel is often readily available on your property. For cooling, consider passive strategies like cross-ventilation, thermal mass, and shading before resorting to energy-intensive air conditioning.

Propane heaters can serve as backup heating sources, while mini-split heat pumps powered by your solar system offer efficient heating and cooling in milder climates.

Communication and internet access: Staying connected when you choose

A HAM radio is essential if the cellular network and internet are disrupted. Many off-gridders also use satellite internet and cellular boosters to maintain connectivity when needed.

Having reliable communication isn't just about convenience—it's a safety issue when you're living remotely from emergency services.

Financial planning and emergency fund: Your safety net

Initial setup costs can range anywhere from $5,000-$50,000 or more for basic land, home, and essential systems like solar panels and battery storage.

How much it costs to purchase undeveloped land will depend on what state you live in. For example, it's much cheaper to buy land in Mississippi than it is in California, and there are also much lower taxes there overall.

Beyond startup costs, maintain an emergency fund for equipment repairs, medical emergencies, and unexpected challenges. Many off-gridders supplement their income through remote work, selling crafts, or offering services to neighbors. Having multiple income streams provides financial resilience.

Your path to energy freedom starts today

The good news? You don't have to make the leap all at once. Start by adding solar panels or a battery backup system to your current home. Practice growing food, learn basic repair skills, and gradually build the knowledge you'll need for full off-grid living.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) projects that off-grid renewable energy capacity will triple by 2030, making sustainable living more accessible than it’s ever been. Whether you're motivated by rising utility costs, concerns about grid reliability, or simply the desire for true independence, the tools and knowledge for successful off-grid living have never been more available.

"Are we there yet?"

It's the timeless question every parent dreads on a long car ride. But when it comes to electric vehicle adoption in the U.S., the answer is a resounding "NO!"

America is way behind other countries when it comes to ditching gas vehicles. Ninety percent of new cars sold in Norway are electric, along with 63% of new cars in Sweden, and the U.K. and China both hover around 30%—while the U.S. barely scrapes together 9% of new car market share for all-electric vehicles. Even for plug-in hybrids, which run on gas and electric, the U.S. market share is only 1.8%. So the question is, why is the U.S. falling behind the rest of the world? The short answer: There's a stigma against EVs here that doesn’t exist in other places, and a lot of it may stem from fossil fuel propaganda. 

It's time to debunk these myths once and for all.

The fossil fuel propaganda problem

Here's a fact that might surprise you: EVs aren't actually a brand new or groundbreaking technology—and they’re even older than gas-powered cars.

The first electric vehicles hit the road in the late 19th century, but back then they were called "horseless carriages." But the first EVs were shoved to the back seat when Ford Motor Company introduced the first gas car in 1908. So, why are Americans still so skeptical of EVs?

"I’ve talked to so many people who say, 'I would never drive one,’ ‘They're horrible,’ ‘Don't they catch on fire?'” said Jonny Lieberman, host of the YouTube show Driving with Jonny, where he test drives various cars. “Every time one of those is brought up, it just strikes me as propaganda by Chevron, Shell, or the petroleum industry."

He's not alone in this observation. Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield, founder and host of the EV education Youtube Channel Transport Evolved, said the reason America falls behind other countries in the EV race is because of a “perfect storm of political misinformation and fossil fuel lobbying—lobbyists in America are very, very powerful."

In 2021 alone, fossil fuel groups spent over $7 million lobbying against a Biden administration law that limited emissions from tailpipes on new cars starting in 2027, and falsely portrayed the new rule as a “ban” on new cars in advertisements.

Let's tackle some of the top misconceptions fueling America's EV resistance:

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Myth #1: EVs are way too expensive

EVs tend to be more expensive than gas cars, but that price gap is shrinking. Tom Bowen from Qmerit, a leader in EV charger installations, said "too expensive" hasn't been a strong argument against EVs since 2021.

"We're seeing a number of models coming out that make EVs much more accessible. Price points are down, and volume and types of selection of brands and models have increased significantly," Bowen told EnergySage.

Here’s a look at the numbers. One of the top-selling gas cars is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, with a starting price of just under $30,000. Its electric twin, the Equinox EV, is just under $32,000—that’s only about a $2,000 difference, or roughly 33 gas-tank fill-ups, which you wouldn’t have to do with an EV.

Considering that the average new car price today is about $48,000, an EV under $32,000 is pretty budget-friendly. Plus, there are valuable financial incentives: The 30% federal EV tax credit knocks the price of the Equinox EV down to $23,500 if you buy one by the end of this September, when the EV tax credit is phased out prematurely by the Trump Administration.“I think the bottleneck that we see with most prospective customers right now is just confusion as to what's happening next and where the tax credits will go. They’re wondering, ‘Is it worthwhile for me to get an EV?’” he said.

Bowen wants people to know that even without federal incentives, many states, local governments, utilities and even original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer incentives and rebates for EVs and home EV charger installations.

“We're seeing many of our partners on the OEM-side respond with additional incentives to try to encourage folks to purchase EVs,” Bowen said. “We see it at the state level and some of the utilities are still offering incentives.”

Some car companies will even cover the cost of installing an EV charger at your house to incentivize you to buy an EV.

The true cost of ownership: EVs vs. gas cars

Even if the sticker price of an EV is higher, when you take into account the total cost of ownership over the long-term. One study comparing lifetime costs found that small and low-range EVs cost drivers less, while longer-range EVs cost about the same as their gas counterparts.

"The break-even point in most countries on EVs now is two to three years," said Gordon-Bloomfield.

Lieberman says the minimal maintenance costs are where EVs really shine, though. “I've probably spent $15 on windshield wiper fluid over three years. That's it, nothing else," said Lieberman of his electric truck, which is a Rivian. How many pickup truck owners can say that?

There's also the potential fuel savings, but that’s mostly if you charge at home or take advantage of free public charging. "If you use public DC fast charging infrastructure, the cost is very comparable to gasoline,” said Tom Moloughney, host of the YouTube show State of Charge. “So I urge people to charge whenever they can at home."

Myth #2: EVs run out of battery quickly and take too long to charge

The fear of running out of battery power—known within the EV community as “range anxiety”—is one of the biggest concerns of EV skeptics. But Bowen said that fear is based on outdated information.

"The initial adopters of these vehicles had ranges from 150 to 200 miles, but now you have some of these vehicles with 300 to 400 mile range, which helps eliminate a lot of anxiety," Bowen said.

Still worried about getting stranded? Moloughney has a homework assignment for you: Keep a pad of paper and a pen handy in your car, and write down your starting and ending mileage for about three months. “I can't tell you how many people came back and they're like, 'I'm averaging 30 miles a day and I'm worried about getting a car with 300-mile range.,” he said.

The average North American driver travels almost 30 miles a day, which is only roughly 10% of the capacity of most EV ranges—so the chances you’ll end up stranded without power are rare for the typical driver. If you like to take road trips, Moloughney said he’s taken plenty in his EV without any issue.

"I've done cross-country drives. I've driven from down to Florida, up into Canada—and I live in New Jersey,” Moloughney said. If I put in my navigation that I want to drive to LA, the vehicle would map it out and set the stops and would say, 'Okay, you're going to drive 220 miles and stop here and you're going to need to stop there for 32 minutes. ' 

Charging is different from filling up with gas

EV charging is very different from getting gas because you don't drive until the the tank is almost empty and then fill up. When it comes to an EV, you simply it charge it overnight the same way you would your cell phone. About 80% of EV owners charge their cars at home, according to Bowen. As for charging time, Gordon-Bloomfield said she commonly hears EV skeptics say that they “can’t be waiting 10 hours” for their car to charge. She said the argument makes her laugh because it’s so far from true, and most modern EVs can charge from 0 to 80% battery life in roughly 20 minutes.

"Even one of the worst charging EVs on the market today, even in the absolute worst conditions, middle of winter, it's cold—about an hour to an hour and a half for a decent 80% charge," explains Gordon-Bloomfield.

Lieberman said he actually prefers taking his EV on roadtrips because it makes fuel stops much more enjoyable.

"We stopped, we plugged in, we both went to the bathroom, we bought beef jerky and two bottles of water, and by the time we got back, it was charged 85%," Lieberman said of his most recent trip.

Myth #3: EVs are dangerous or not good for the environment

People tend to believe that EVs are more prone to fires, when the opposite is true. Data from the National Transportation Board found that for every 100,000 EVs sold, only about 25 will catch fire. That’s much lower than the 1,530 fires for gas vehicles and 3,475 that occur with hybrids.

"There are 121,000 car fires a year in America, but how many that aren't EVs do you hear about? The answer is zero because no one bothers to cover it. Somehow it's newsworthy if an EV catches on fire," Lieberman points out.

Then there's the environmental argument that mining minerals like lithium for car batteries is worse than oil extraction, something that Lieberman hears often.

"That's a complete fabrication, nothing could be less true," said Lieberman. "You mine lithium once, but gasoline you burn forever, constantly. You've never burned a gallon of gas in your life without using cobalt that was mined."

Moloughney has also heard similar arguments, with critics speculating that having to replace EV batteries will be a detriment to the environment.

“Batteries today are designed and engineered to last the lifetime of the vehicle," explained Moloughney. “You can keep an electric vehicle 10 or 12 years and the battery is going to be just fine, as long as you treat it right.”

Plus, increased energy efficiency

EVs also outshine gas cars when it comes to efficiency.

"Twenty percent of the energy in gasoline is converted into forward momentum. The other 80% is heat and noise. With an EV, 60% of the battery energy is used for forward momentum, and because of regenerative braking, electric vehicles can recapture 20% to 30%. So EVs can be between 80 and 90% efficient, while the gas car is 20% efficient," Lieberman said.

That makes EVs more than four times more efficient than gas vehicles. Even if you charged your EV entirely with electricity from a coal plant—which almost nobody does—it would still be cleaner than burning gasoline.

Myth #4: EVs aren't cool to drive

While “cool” is subjective, many Americans don't consider EVs exciting to drive. Gordon-Bloomfield said it’s another reason she thinks the U.S. is slower to go electric.

“In other countries, cars are sold very differently. In America, cars are very often seen as a status symbol, they're seen as an extension of the self,” said Gordon-Bloomfield. “We're buying more on image than we are on actual substance.”

If you don’t think driving an EV is fun, Lieberman and Moloughney—both self-proclaimed “car guys”—beg to differ. In fact, Lieberman drives sports cars for a living and chooses to drive a Rivian electric pickup for personal use:

"I love a good-sounding engine more than most people—my passion in life is supercars. But, for instance, we just shot a Lamborghini video for my YouTube channel, a 110-horsepower supercar,” said Lieberman. “To get the sustained 110 mph tracking shot from another smooth vehicle, we used my off-road-tired pickup truck, because the Rivian can do it, and it handles great."

Then there's Moloughney, who was driving a Porsche Boxster back in 2008 when he got his first electric car, a Mini Cooper. He said he ended up selling the Porsche because the EV was much more fun to drive.

”That instant torque of an electric vehicle is exhilarating. If you're a car guy and you drive an EV, it just puts a grin on your face."

These days, Moloughney drives an electric Ford F-150 Lightning that goes from zero to sixty in under four seconds.

Despite the thrill and speed of EVs, we're not "there yet" on EV adoption in America—and it's not because the technology isn't ready. It’s because misinformation about their true benefits has been amplified and spread by conglomerates like Big Oil, which are vested in continuing to sell gas cars. If Americans can be convinced of the real advantages of EVs, there’s nowhere to go but up.

Hurricane season doesn't have to mean sleepless nights worrying about your solar investment. In fact, recent storms have revealed something remarkable: Solar panels don’t just survive—they can keep the lights on when everything else fails.

When other homeowners lose power during extreme weather events like hurricanes,  homeowners with solar panels and battery storage can become neighborhood lifelines: After Hurricane Helene in 2024, one North Carolina couple powered through 11 days of outages with their 10-kilowatt (kW) solar system and battery, and first responders relied on solar-powered disaster response trailers to run their command centers.

Your solar panels aren't just built to survive extreme weather—they're engineered to be reliable when you need them most.

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The resilience revolution: Solar as your storm insurance

“Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather,” Duane Wright of Fuse Solar and Roofing told Engergysage. “Most Tier 1 panels are tested to endure wind speeds up to 140 mph and hail impact from 1-inch diameter hailstones traveling over 50 mph.”

Wright said he’s seen solar panels survive direct hits from Category 4 hurricanes with minimal damage—especially when installed with hurricane-rated racking and proper anchoring. Plus, he’s even seen solar panels save a home from major structural damage when trees fall during a storm.

The numbers back this up: A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on 50,000 solar energy systems installed between 2009 and 2013 determined that only 0.1% of all solar systems have been reported as affected by damage or underperforming each year.

Real storms, real results

Recent hurricanes have proved solar can weather the storm: During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, for example, New Jersey was hit especially hard, but it also had one of the largest solar power capacities in the U.S at the time. In the second quarter of that year, just before the hurricane hit, the state had installed 103 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. Analysis after Sandy hit revealed little to no damage to solar systems from the storm. 

Another impressive example came during Hurricane Maria in 2017, where a 645 kilowatt (kW) solar array on the roof of a hospital in Puerto Rico continued to operate at full capacity post-storm—even though it was exposed to 180 mph storm winds.

Why your solar panels could outlast your house

The construction itself tells the story: Solar panels typically use the same tempered glass found in car windshields, combined with aircraft-grade aluminum frames and weatherproof sealing, giving them the ability to withstand extreme wind and snow loads.

Solar manufacturers don't mess around with durability testing, either. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 standard requires panels to withstand impacts from hailstones as large as one inch traveling around 51 mph. But premium manufacturers go further—some test with ice balls four times more powerful than the standard requires.

If you live in a coastal zone, it’s important to make sure your solar panels’ wind uplift ratings meet or exceed local building codes standards, which can be as much as 160 mph or more. You also want to make sure your racking system is well-rated for high wind zones, and installed with sealed penetrations and hurricane clips, Wright said.

Your solar panel storm-prep playbook

Smart homeowners don't just trust their panels' toughness—they take proactive steps to maximize protection. Here's what Wright says solar homeowners should have on their pre-storm checklist:

Before hurricane season:

• Schedule a pre-season inspection to check for loose hardware, corrosion, or exposed wiring.

• Trim nearby trees to reduce debris risk.

• Document the system with photos for insurance purposes.

• Review warranties and insurance coverage to confirm storm-related damage is included.

"For battery systems, I also recommend checking backup settings and charge levels to ensure readiness in case of grid outages," Wright said. 

When it comes to storm damage, the reality is that most of it comes from debris, not from the wind or rain. "Most damage comes from flying debris, not the storm itself,” he explained. “We've seen cracked glass, bent racking, and dislodged panels caused by tree limbs, roof tiles, and other projectiles.”

Water intrusion from compromised roof seals is another issue to be aware of, especially on older or poorly installed systems, said Wright. 

When damage happens: Your solar recovery roadmap

Even the best panels can't deflect every flying object. If storm damage occurs, here's your best plan of action, according to Wright:

• Turn off the system if safe to do so

• Take photos of all visible damage

• Contact your installer for a professional inspection

• File a claim with your insurance provider

• Avoid DIY repairs—even minor electrical faults can pose serious safety risks

Most homeowner insurance policies cover roof-mounted solar panels, and once you've already documented your system's pre-storm condition, filing a claim should be straightforward.

The battery advantage: Your personal power plant

Here's where solar can really be a lifeline during disasters: Solar-plus-battery systems can create your own private utility company. Within seconds, residential solar panel systems with battery storage automatically detect the loss of grid power and switch to an "islanded" mode to keep the power on.

The bigger resilience picture: The storm-ready future is here

Power outages aren't just inconvenient—they're becoming more frequent and costly, which only makes solar panels all the more worthwhile an investment.  Today's installation standards exceed most building codes, mounting systems use aerospace-grade materials, and battery technology has advanced to the point where whole-home backup is affordable for most families.

Modern solar panels don't just help protect you against extreme weather—they provide the foundation for energy independence when you need it most.

When Paul and Annette traded their city apartment for a tiny house on farmland in Australia, they weren’t just downsizing—they were reimagining their day-to-day lives. They wanted a home powered entirely by renewable energy, and without a roof of their own to put panels on before as renters, they knew their next one had to make self-sufficiency and energy independence possible.

“Instead of getting a mortgage, we just built a tiny house and went off-grid,” Paul explains in an episode of Bryce Langston’s Living Big in a Tiny House YouTube series that’s been viewed more than two million times.

“We haven’t looked back. We love it.”

Tiny houses take up a fraction of the space of a traditional home, but they still need lighting, heating, cooling, and power for other appliances. Whether stationary or on wheels, these small but mighty dwellings can benefit from solar just like their full-size counterparts. With a modest system and some strategic planning, tiny house owners can reduce their electric bills, increase their energy independence, and sometimes even leave the grid behind entirely.

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Why solar is a natural fit for tiny living

The benefits of installing solar panels on a tiny house are the same as those for any home: Lower electricity bills, environmental benefits, and more control over your own power supply. Solar can also add resale value to a tiny house—prospective buyers often see built-in renewable energy as a major bonus, knowing it will keep their electric bills low or completely eliminated.

These advantages are amplified for mobile tiny homes. If you have or are planning to build a tiny house on wheels, solar power will give you peace of mind: You won't have to waste time finding power sources wherever you go, or have to base where you travel on where there are available charging stations. With solar, you’ll have a guaranteed source of electricity, no matter where you are.

“We’ve noticed more people gain financial independence through lower living costs and the ability to generate their own power using solar,”  a spokesperson for Tiny Solar Homes in Australia, told EnergySage. “[People are] seeking a more sustainable way of living and the freedom that comes with moveable tiny homes, as solar allows people to live comfortably off-grid.”

How many solar panels do you need for your tiny home?

In general, tiny houses use much less electricity than the average home. But every tiny house is different, and how much electricity you use to power your tiny home will depend on its size, how many people live in it, the appliances you use, and more. You'll want to generate as much of your overall electricity needs as possible to maximize your savings. This may mean only installing five solar panels or as many as 15 of them.

As for Paul and Annette, less than 2 kilowatts of rooftop solar power proved sufficient for their needs.

“It’s six panels for a total of 1.86 kilowatts. We‘re storing that into some deep cycle batteries—20 kilowatt-hours—and that’s then running a four-kilowatt inverter for your standard off-the-shelf appliances,” Paul told Bryce. 

If you’re unsure how much electricity your tiny house will use, the Department of Energy's Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use Calculator can help you estimate based on your planned appliances and usage habits.

Should you install a rooftop or ground-mounted solar energy system?

Before putting solar panels on a tiny house roof, make sure the structure gets plenty of sunlight and can handle the added weight of the panels and racking equipment—not all tiny home roofs are capable of this. If your roof isn’t strong enough for traditional panels, lightweight thin-film panels may be a better fit. Just keep in mind that these flexible panels are typically less efficient. 

Rather than installing rooftop systems, many tiny house owners install solar panels, commonly referred to as ground-mounted solar systems, on the sunny plot of land close to their house. These systems tend to require additional racking and mounting equipment, but you'll have more space on the ground to install them, plus the freedom to place your panels in an optimal position to soak up the most sun and save you the most money.

Alternatively, if your tiny home is near another building—like a main house or barn—you can also install panels on those roofs and share the electricity via extension cords or wired connections—supplying solar power to multiple structures at once can help lower costs.

Tiny house solar installation: When to DIY and when to call in the experts

For very small systems—typically under 3 kilowatts—a do-it-yourself solar panel installation can be the most cost-effective way to go. With pre-packaged solar kits and some technical know-how, many tiny house owners manage to get their systems up and running. Still, if you don’t have solid electrical and roofing experience, it’s usually smart to bring in a licensed electrician for safety and to meet local code requirements.

DIY tiny house content creator Mizzahoff learned this lesson firsthand. With help from a friend, he got his off-grid system running in just one day.

“But unfortunately, a few months after that, the inverter burned out,” he said in a TikTok, illustrating the risks of installing solar panels DIY-style as an amateur.

The culprit? Where he installed it.

“My downfall was that I decided to put [the inverter] in the loft, which was an awful idea in hindsight,” he explained in another video. “Over the summertime, it got completely fried in the loft from overheating, so now I have to buy a new inverter.”

Professional installation is typically the best move for larger systems or setups that require a connection to your local utility. Your solar installer should ensure your system meets all of the necessary permitting requirements, passes inspections, and is installed to last—without any fried inverters along the way.

“Using a professional solar installer ensures an easy setup and guarantees our solar kits' effectiveness,” the Tiny Solar Homes spokesperson said. “With a professional installation, you have someone to rely on when troubleshooting problems.”

Off-grid freedom vs. grid-tied convenience

Going fully off-grid means you’ll need enough battery storage to last through every cloudy day and nighttime hour. While it’s not for everyone, Paul, Annette, and Mizzahoff all chose this route. 

Other tiny house owners prefer the reliability of a grid connection, especially if their home stays in one place. Another advantage of a grid-tied solar panel system is your eligibility for financial incentives like net metering, a program that enables you to send any excess electricity your panels produce back to the grid in exchange for credits on your electric bill. This way, you can still use grid-generated electricity at night or when it’s overcast. 

“It’s a fairly even split, however, we’re seeing more off-grid setups than ever,” Tiny Solar Homes told EnergySage regarding the nature of its clients’ utility relationships. “Our homes are able to run fully off-grid with battery storage, while the rest are grid-connected with solar backup—so owners can enjoy the best of both worlds.”

Should you invest in solar panels for your tiny home?

Whether solar is worth it for your tiny home depends on a few key factors—how much electricity you use, whether you stay in one place or travel often, and whether your roof or land can support a system. For those who value lower bills, energy independence, or the ability to live off-grid, it can be one of your most rewarding lifestyle decisions.

Bryce caught up with Paul and Annette again, seven years after they first moved into their off-grid tiny home. They were still thrilled with their decision—they even added more solar panels to charge their new electric vehicle. 

“We wanted to charge the car with off-grid solar, so adding more [panels] helped us do that,” Paul told Bryce. “It’s free fuel, really.” 

For a growing number of tiny house dwellers, solar power isn’t just a practical upgrade—it’s the foundation of a lifestyle built on independence, sustainability, and the freedom to roam without worrying about the next electric bill.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out the most effective ways to live more sustainably, you're not alone. But it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it might sound at first. 

According to sustainability expert Nick Cutsumpas, who also goes by Farmer Nick, the secret isn't making massive lifestyle changes overnight—it's starting where you are, one season at a time. His refreshingly practical approach to eco-friendly living is simple, and doesn't require a PhD in environmental science to adopt.

Instead of trying to revolutionize your entire life in January, why not tackle sustainable living one season at a time?

Here are Nick’s best tips for maximizing clean living all year-round.

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Summer: Peak composting season

Summer is what Nick calls "peak composting season," and for good reason. You're generating plenty of food scraps from barbecues and gatherings, plus yard waste from all that garden activity. 

"You probably have a lot of food and yard waste from  gatherings, yard work, and all that good stuff," he said.

This is the perfect time to start that compost pile you've been putting off. Composting recycles organic matter like food scraps and leaves valuable fertilizer that enriches soil and plants. Plus, the process speeds up naturally in summer heat.

Composting involves minimal effort, equipment, and expense, and it can be fun. You'll end up with nutrient-rich "black gold" ready to apply in fall, and your wallet will thank you: You save money by producing a free, high-quality soil amendment – compost – which in turn reduces your use of fertilizer and pesticides.

Here's a surprising fact: More than half of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills come from wasted food. When you compost that summer abundance of food scraps instead of tossing them in the trash, you're literally preventing methane—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide—from entering the atmosphere.

Fall: Leave the leaves (your lightning bugs will thank you)

Most homeowners may not think of the pesky leaves falling on their lawn as valuable to the environment, but Nick says think again: The fallen leaf layer that forms each autumn is an incredibly important habitat for many kinds of wildlife, including the fireflies that overwinter in leaf litter. Caterpillars that live in native trees look for leaf layers to overwinter, for example, while mammals and birds use them for shelter and foraging.

"I'm a big fan of the Leave the Leaves campaign, just to protect wildlife over the winter,” he said. “Especially lightning bugs, which everyone loves, right?"

But Nick isn't saying turn your entire yard into a leaf jungle.

"Leaving the leaves in the fall is something that I love to do—or at least moving them somewhere else, not just throwing them on the curb or somewhere like that," he said. You can rake leaves off your lawn to use as mulch in garden beds, or pile them in an out-of-the-way corner where they'll break down into leaf mold—a type of compost that can be used as natural fertilizer in spring.

Leaves and other yard debris account for more than 13% of the nation's solid waste—a whopping 33 million tons a year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When these leaves hit landfills, they decompose without oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Winter: Efficient windows and doors are your wallet's best friend

When winter hits, those drafty windows and door are more than just a hassle—they're a drain on your bank account, too. "From an energy efficiency standpoint, just really making sure your windows and your doors have proper insulation and sealing will save so much money," he said.

"I can't tell you how much money we basically blew out the window when we had windows that were not properly insulated and sealed." After replacing seven windows in their house, Nick learned an expensive lesson that most young homeowners discover the hard way. "No one tells how much windows cost you're younger, and now I know why parents get upset if you break a window with a baseball."

Simple weatherproofing measures like adding caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows can prevent warm air from leaking into your home. These low-cost adjustments, along with using insulated curtains and placing rugs on floors, help reduce heating expenses significantly.

Spring: Grow your own food—even in an apartment

If you do have outdoor space, you can start seeding in the spring to prepare your yard for growing a garden. "It's all about just starting seeds and getting your garden ready.” If you don’t have a garden, don’t worry. “Growing food on your window sill is very possible, even if you don't have outdoor space," he said.

You don't need acres of land to practice sustainable living—even small changes like starting an herb garden on your windowsill can make a difference, Nick says.

The new reality: Preparing for unpredictable weather during all seasons

Extreme weather and power reliability are also a heightened concern for Nick since becoming a homeowner. As storms become stronger and more frequent, energy independence is top of mind.

"This is a newfound concern for me, because when you're a homeowner for the first time, you realize, if something goes wrong, I can't call the landlord," Nick said.

He keeps a portable solar generator in his yard that he can roll out into direct sunlight to charge, and then hook up to solar panels. This gives him peace of mind when it comes to any power outages.

He continues: "That that sense of preparedness is really, really important, especially with the volatility and aggressiveness and intensity of these storms." This reality check about extreme weather preparedness reflects what many homeowners are experiencing as climate patterns become more unpredictable.

The bigger picture: Small changes, big impact

What makes Nick's approach easy to adopt is his focus on practical, seasonal changes rather than overwhelming lifestyle overhauls. Research shows that small, consistent changes create the most significant impact without straining your budget.

Even simple behavioral choices like allowing clothes to air dry, running the dishwasher only with full loads, and unplugging electronics when not in use can directly impact energy consumption. In fact, 67% of Americans now say the United States should prioritize renewable energy developments, with 69% favoring carbon neutrality by 2050, according to the Pew Research Center.

Whether you're composting kitchen scraps in summer, weatherproofing your home in winter, or starting seeds in spring, each season offers unique opportunities to live more sustainably. Many of these changes don't just help the planet—they help your wallet too.

So this summer, instead of stressing about being the perfect eco-warrior, why not pick one of Nick's seasonal suggestions and give it a try? Your lightning bugs (and your energy bills) will thank you.

The Trump administration cancelled a loan guarantee for a massive wind transmission line that could have moved clean energy across four states—just as homeowners face rising electric bills from surging demand.

At a time when American homes are using more electricity than ever, a critical infrastructure project that could have delivered billions in energy savings to homeowners has lost federal support.

The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile transmission line designed to move renewable energy from Kansas wind farms to population centers in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, saw its $4.9 billion federal loan guarantee cancelled by the Trump administration last month. While private funding will be raised to continue moving the project forward, it's still a setback to clean energy progress across the country.

The decision comes as the U.S. grapples with unprecedented electricity demand growth. Data centers alone are projected to double or triple their energy consumption by 2028, while electric vehicle adoption and industrial reshoring add even more strain to an already stretched grid.

For homeowners, this translates to a troubling reality: Electric bills are poised to rise at a time when solutions like rooftop solar face significantly less federal support.

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Record demand puts pressure on electric bills

Americans are consuming electricity at historic levels. Peak demand hit record highs twice in July 2024 — and the pattern shows no signs of slowing, with experts predicting the country will exceed previous peaks at least once every summer.

Data centers, powered by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, are consuming electricity at extraordinary rates, with some regions seeing data centers account for roughly half of all new power demand.

All this additional demand gets passed directly to homeowners through higher electric rates. When utilities build new power plants and upgrade transmission lines, those costs appear on your monthly electric bills.

“Even if we do all the planned power plants, and all the planned wind and solar farms, we still won’t have enough electricity to meet all the planned AI data centers,” said Otto Lynch, CEO of Power Line Systems, a software company that designs transmission infrastructure. “We need 35 gigawatts of electricity by 2030 just to meet the demand from data centers. And that's just the ones that are planned. The Grain Belt line is still needed—we’ve got to get that energy.”

A massive infrastructure project with major economic benefits

The Grain Belt Express represented far more than just another power line. The project promised substantial economic benefits that would have rippled across multiple states and industries.

The numbers speak for themselves: Invenergy estimated the transmission line would deliver $52 billion in energy cost savings over 15 years. The Missouri Public Service Commission found that Missouri alone would save $17 billion in lower electric bills—savings that would flow directly to homeowners and businesses.

Beyond consumer savings, the project represented a significant job creation opportunity. Construction of the 800-mile line would have employed thousands of workers across multiple states, from engineers and construction crews to equipment manufacturers and support staff. These weren't temporary gains—the project would have created permanent operations and maintenance jobs throughout its operational life.

The interstate commerce benefits were equally compelling. By connecting renewable energy generation in Kansas to population centers in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, the project would have created a true interstate energy market. This kind of cross-border energy trading strengthens regional economies and provides utilities with more options to find affordable power for their customers.

The transmission line would have interconnected four U.S. grid regions and strengthened reliability across 29 states. When different regions can share power resources, it creates backup power options during emergencies and allows utilities to balance supply and demand more efficiently, ultimately keeping costs lower for consumers.

A shortsighted decision with costly consequences

The Department of Energy's decision to cancel the $4.9 billion loan guarantee represents a significant missed opportunity at a critical time for America's energy infrastructure. The timing couldn't be worse—just as the country faces unprecedented electricity demand growth and needs every available tool to keep consumer costs manageable.

The loan guarantee program has a strong track record. In its 20-year history, the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office has actually turned a profit for taxpayers by collecting interest and principal payments from borrowers. This wasn't a government giveaway—it was a financial tool designed to help critical infrastructure projects access capital markets at reasonable rates.

By late 2024, the Grain Belt Express had overcome every major hurdle. State approvals from Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana were secured after years of regulatory review. The Biden administration had approved the conditional loan guarantee following extensive due diligence. Invenergy had awarded $1.7 billion in contracts to U.S. contractors to begin construction, with the line set to start operation in 2026.

Then politics intervened.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley successfully lobbied President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright to cancel the loan guarantee, calling it a "boondoggle loan" and a "green scam." The July 23 cancellation notice cited that "the conditions necessary to issue the guarantee are unlikely to be met and it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project."

In response, Invenergy called the cancellation "bizarre," noting that "Senator Hawley is trying to deprive Americans of billions of dollars in energy cost savings, thousands of jobs, and grid reliability and national security."

The real-world impact on homeowners

The loss of federal backing doesn't kill the Grain Belt Express entirely, but it makes the project more expensive and uncertain. Without the loan guarantee, Invenergy must secure private financing at higher interest rates, costs that could ultimately affect the project's timeline and economics.

The broader implications extend beyond this single project: When the federal government retreats from supporting critical infrastructure, it sends a signal to private investors that large-scale energy projects face heightened political risk. This uncertainty can increase borrowing costs across the entire sector, ultimately making all energy infrastructure more expensive.

The grid modernization challenge

America's electricity infrastructure faces a fundamental mismatch between where clean energy is generated and where it's consumed. The windiest areas are in the Great Plains and the sunniest in the Southwest, but the biggest population centers are along the coasts and in the Midwest.

Without adequate transmission lines, this geographic mismatch forces utilities to rely more heavily on local fossil fuel plants, keeping electricity costs higher than necessary.

The problem is getting worse as data centers and other large electricity users cluster in specific regions. In Northern Virginia, for example, data centers have pushed vacancy rates below 1%, creating bottlenecks that make it harder and more expensive to connect new clean energy projects.

"Based on our analysis, we don't have the power to meet the need by 2030," Lynch said.

What this means for American energy consumers

The grid capacity crunch affects every American who pays an electric bill. When transmission infrastructure can't keep pace with demand, utilities are forced to rely on more expensive local power generation, especially during peak periods when they fire up their least efficient plants.

The cancelled Grain Belt Express would have provided exactly the kind of infrastructure needed to move low-cost renewable energy from where it's abundant to where it's needed most. Wind power in Kansas is incredibly cheap—often priced below two cents per kilowatt-hour—but without transmission capacity, that economic benefit can't reach consumers in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

The path forward

Despite the Grain Belt Express setback, Invenergy says it will move forward with private financing.

"A privately financed Grain Belt Express transmission superhighway will advance President Trump's agenda of American energy and technology dominance while delivering billions of dollars in energy cost savings," the company stated.

The project's fate now depends on whether private investors can step up where the federal government stepped back. Lynch remains cautiously optimistic, telling EnergySage: "There are companies that are going to make that investment."

The loss of this single project illustrates a broader challenge: The Grain Belt Express cancellation represents a missed opportunity to deliver billions in consumer savings and strengthen America's energy infrastructure when both are desperately needed. Without adequate transmission capacity, consumers will continue paying premium prices for electricity while abundant renewable energy sits stranded in remote locations.

The cancellation of federal support for such a critical project raises questions about whether America can muster the political will to build the infrastructure its growing economy demands—and whether consumers will bear the cost of that failure.

The sun is shining brighter for California solar homeowners today.

In a unanimous decision that sent shockwaves through the clean energy industry, the California Supreme Court on Thursday sided with environmental groups challenging the state's controversial Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) policy, ruling that a lower court must reconsider the policy, which slashed solar compensation for homeowners by about 75%.

While this isn't a final decision overturning NEM 3.0, this landmark ruling could restore more favorable rates for future solar installations, save homeowners thousands of dollars annually, and inject new life into California's battered rooftop solar market by establishing that utilities and their regulators aren't above legal scrutiny.

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The Supreme Court ruling puts utilities on notice

On Thursday, the state's highest court ordered the Court of Appeals to reconsider its earlier decision upholding NEM 3.0 under a more rigorous legal standard. Justice Leondra Kruger wrote in the decision that the lower court "erred by relying on [a] highly deferential approach" to reviewing decisions by state utility regulators.

The Supreme Court didn't overturn NEM 3.0 outright, but it established a critical precedent: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) isn't above legal scrutiny when making decisions that fundamentally reshape the economics of residential solar energy.

"The California Supreme Court has ruled in our favor that the CPUC is not above the law, and the Court of Appeal must revisit their NEM 3.0 decision, which gutted California's rooftop solar market," Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California with the Environmental Working Group, told techxplore.

The decision by the Supreme Court sends the case back to the state Court of Appeal to consider whether the CPUC's policy is unlawfully harming rooftop solar growth, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Environmental groups argue that the CPUC violated state laws requiring that any changes to net metering programs must consider all benefits of rooftop solar to ratepayers, the grid, and environmental goals. Instead, they contend the commission only considered how net metering affects utilities and their business models.

The NEM 3.0 controversy that devastated California's solar market

To understand the significance of this ruling, it's essential to grasp what NEM 3.0 changed and why it matters to homeowners' finances.

Under California's previous net metering programs (NEM 1.0 and 2.0), solar homeowners received retail rate credits for excess electricity their panels sent back to the grid. If a utility charged 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), homeowners received 30 cents in credits for each kWh exported.

NEM 3.0 cut the export rate credited to rooftop solar owners by about 75%. The new rules shifted to an "avoided cost" structure, crediting homeowners only for what utilities saved by not buying that power elsewhere—typically around 8 cents per kWh instead of the full retail rate, dealing homeowners a significant financial blow.

The policy shift increased the average electric bill in California by about $63 per month. For a solar panel system that lasts 25 years, that translates to a loss of nearly $20,000 in savings.

Demand for rooftop solar fell 80% after NEM 3.0

The impact was immediate and severe: More than 17,000 solar jobs were lost according to CALSSA, with demand falling 80% post-implementation and numerous companies filing for bankruptcy.

The solar market contracted 31% year-over-year in 2024, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). This decline threatens California's mandate to achieve 100% carbon-free electric energy by 2045, a goal that requires solar energy to account for more than half of that generation.

"We haven't seen a rebound in the market two years after NEM 3.0 went into effect, so we really need to increase the rate of rooftop solar installation," Brad Heavner, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA), said in an interview with techxplore after the ruling. "Something has to happen and the environment just got even more challenging."

This ruling is vital during current solar industry challenges

The Supreme Court's intervention comes at a critical time for California's solar industry, which faces mounting pressure from unfavorable policy changes, the weakening state of the economy, and overall macro-economic headwinds facing the solar industry at large.

Under recently enacted federal legislation, the residential solar industry already faces elimination of the 30% federal solar tax credit after December 31, 2025. This represents a loss of approximately $9,000 in savings for the average homeowner.

The Trump administration is also cutting $7 billion in federal grants for rooftop solar projects serving lower—and middle-income residents.

Utilities blame solar for rising rates—but the data tells a different story

Despite the challenges, homeowners are adapting to NEM 3.0's new economics. On the EnergySage Marketplace, 73% of solar shoppers expressed interest in energy storage in the second half of 2024, with 45% selecting quotes that included batteries—more than doubling year-over-year.

This surge largely reflects the changing economics under NEM 3.0, where storing solar energy and using it during expensive peak hours delivers better returns than selling it back to utilities at reduced rates.

But were the severe solar export cuts under NEM 3.0 really justified? The answer seems to be no.

Solar saved the grid $1.5 billion in 2024

An independent analysis contradicts utility claims about cost-shifting, finding that rooftop solar provided a $1.5 billion cost savings to the grid in 2024. While utilities argue that rooftop solar creates an unfair cost burden on non-solar customers, research consistently shows the opposite.

"Utilities feel threatened by customer solar and storage because it reduces their profit motive, their ability to rate base grid expansion, which is what drives their profits," Heavner told EnergySage earlier this year.

"In California, there's enough solar that they feel like we're really taking weight off the grid and causing them to build less infrastructure, hurting their profits," he explained.

The numbers support this assessment. According to the CPUC, the state's three largest electric utilities have raised customer rates by 82-110% over the last decade, despite relatively flat electricity usage. Meanwhile, transmission and distribution spending by utilities has increased 300%.

Studies from multiple states—from Mississippi to Maine to Nevada—have found "little or no evidence for a 'cost shift' from rooftop solar customers," according to Solar United Neighbors. A Brookings Institution report also concluded that the economic benefits of solar homeowners not only outweigh the costs but provide a "net benefit" for utilities and non-solar ratepayers.

What's next for California solar policy?

The Supreme Court's decision has already shifted the conversation around solar policy in California, sending a clear message that dramatic reductions in solar compensation must meet rigorous legal standards and consider the full benefits that rooftop solar provides to the grid and ratepayers alike.

The Court of Appeals must now rehear the case using a more rigorous legal standard. It will determine whether the CPUC had a legal basis to cut solar export rates and whether the commission designed a policy that keeps rooftop solar growing in environmental justice communities, as state law requires. This process could take months or even years, but the outcome could fundamentally change how California approaches solar compensation.

But even under NEM 3.0's reduced compensation, solar delivers substantial long-term value: California homeowners can still save between $40,000 and $100,000 over 25 years with solar energy systems, according to EnergySage data. 

The question isn't whether solar makes sense in California—with the nation's highest electricity rates and abundant sunshine, it absolutely does. The question is whether California will once again embrace policies that make clean, renewable energy accessible and financially attractive for all residents.

Going solar can translate into serious savings, but with five-figure upfront costs, you’ll want to make those panels last as long as possible. 

Solar panel systems are incredibly durable and require little to no maintenance over their 25+ year lifetime. Monitoring your system’s production and keeping your solar panels clear of debris are the best things you can do to maintain their performance and output. Unless you live in an area with relatively low rainfall and a lot of smog, dirt, or dust, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about regular maintenance. 

But periodic checks don’t hurt and can help you identify issues as they arise. If something does go wrong, your equipment’s warranties should cover replacement and repair costs. Here’s what you need to know about solar panel maintenance.

Key takeaways

How often do solar panels need to be maintained?

For most homeowners, solar panels need almost no attention over their decades-long lifespan. The rare issues that do occur usually happen right after manufacturing and are caught before or during installation. The only regular maintenance they may need is a good cleaning a couple of times a year, but even that can be taken care of with enough rain.

“Solar panels don't really go bad. Sometimes you may pull it out of the box and it doesn't work, but that's about it. Very seldom have I seen a solar panel go bad once it’s installed,” Duane Wright, president of Fused Solar and Roofing, told EnergySage. “As long as it rains enough to remove bird droppings, dust, and pollen, that’s pretty much all the maintenance needed.”

Solar inverters, on the other hand, are more prone to needing service. If you see an unusual drop in production, it’s often an inverter problem—caused by overheating, electrical surges, or improper installation. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward to fix.

“Most maintenance we do involves replacing or repairing microinverters. If you have 25 microinverters on a 25-panel system, there are 25 fault points, and they’re underneath the panels on the roof,” Wright said. “With string inverters, there's only one fault point, and it’s at ground level, meaning I don’t have to get on the roof.”

Solar panel cleaning

Should you clean your solar panels?

How do you know when your solar panels need maintenance?

You’ll know your system needs attention if its output declines more than it should. A damaged, dirty, or otherwise malfunctioning solar panel system won’t perform well. In most cases, you can narrow down the culprit of faster-than-usual degradation by monitoring your electric bill, using system software, or installing a solar monitoring system.

Most of the time, keeping panels free of debris is enough to keep them running efficiently, but watching for changes in production helps you catch issues early.

Wright, who’s based in hot and humid Florida, explained that some production dips are seasonal and nothing to worry about: “Compared to April and May, June, July, August, and September are actually lower production months because of the heat,” he said. “At the same time, consumption tends to go up because of AC use.” 

So your consumption goes up and production dips—that's usually the problem rather than anything to do with the products themselves, he said. 

Can weather damage your solar panels?

Solar panels are built to withstand hail, strong winds, and other rough weather—but they’re not indestructible. Even though weather damage is uncommon, purchasing panels with a strong warranty is important in case you need to repair or replace them.

How much does solar panel maintenance cost?

Fortunately, annual solar panel maintenance costs are pretty low, considering how infrequently it’s needed. Solar panel systems are designed to be relatively self-sufficient, but a few scenarios require professional maintenance.

What if your solar company goes out of business?

Your original installer should be your go-to contact for your maintenance needs, but some companies won’t be around for the whole lifespan of your solar energy system. If your solar installer goes out of business, you’ll need to find another qualified company to handle service.

Start by contacting your equipment manufacturer—they can often recommend local companies authorized to work on your system. Given that any installer warranty you had with your original company will likely disappear with their business, it’s important to ensure the new company's work done to your system won’t void your manufacturer’s warranty, too.  

As the solar industry adapts to changing policies and regulations, more companies are offering operations and maintenance (O&M) packages for “orphaned” systems. Wright is one such installer: “I just added a dedicated service truck and hired a licensed electrician in June, [and] he’s been busy because of orphaned systems,” he said.

Solar panel warranties protect your investment

Solar panel manufacturers offer a few warranties that guarantee coverage in the unlikely event of an issue. A good solar panel warranty saves you the maintenance costs associated with any manufacturing defects over the lifetime of your system.

Power output warranties guarantee a specified production level over the warranty term (usually 25 years). For instance, a manufacturer might offer a warranty ensuring peak power output won't fall below 85% for 25 years.

Panels also come with a product warranty that protects against defective parts. Today, most solar panel companies offer at least 25 years of protection. The same product warranty sometimes covers inverters and racking equipment, but not usually. Separate warranties for each component are more common, though that could change as the industry evolves.

Bottom line: Solar panel upkeep is minimal and easy

For most homeowners, maintaining a solar panel system comes down to keeping an eye on production and letting the rain do the cleaning. These systems are built to last decades with minimal intervention. When issues do arise, they’re often covered under robust manufacturer warranties.

By pairing basic monitoring with occasional professional cleaning (if needed) and ensuring qualified technicians handle any repairs, you can protect your investment and enjoy reliable, low-cost energy for years.

Another day, another tariff announcement.

The Trump administration rolled out more tariffs Thursday, with the average overall tariff rate now coming in at more than 17% across countries. Some nations around the world also woke up to the grim news of even higher tariffs than previously expected. India, for example, is being hit with a new 50% tariff rate set to kick in within 21 days.

As the tariffs set in, everything from appliances to cars starts becoming more expensive—including solar panels—and the effects only tend to grow as time goes on and costs increase. The impact on the solar industry will be no exception.

For a better understanding of how Trump's latest tariffs will change the industry, let’s take a look at the most recent tariff announcements, how his previous tariffs affected the solar industry, and what it tells us about the types of trade policies we may see from the Trump administration moving forward.

What’s happened with tariffs so far this year

Earlier in June, the Trump administration said there would be "no extensions" past the Aug. 1 deadline it set for tariffs at the beginning of this year, and they’re finally hitting this week. This latest tariff announcement also comes after other previous plans to roll out tariffs up to 3,521% on all four of the countries in Southeast Asia that supply the U.S. with the majority of its solar imports—marking yet another change to the administration's trade policy. 

This year’s wave of tariffs come on the heels of an investigation that was originally started under the Biden administration, when domestic manufacturers alleged that foreign producers were inundating the U.S. market with excessively cheap products as a result of unfair government subsidies. Proponents of the tariffs say they should help America manufacturers who have been investing in U.S. solar production in years, but the added tax will still cause solar to become a more expensive investment for the average homeowner.

New tariffs won't stop solar, but costs will increase

Fears about increased costs and supply chain disruptions are valid, but Aaron Nichols, an advocacy specialist at Exact Solar, points out that there was a “lot of noise predicting the end of solar” when Trump began implementing tariffs in his first term.

The solar industry has now been through four rounds of anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases, plus the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), “which still detains billions of dollars worth of solar components at ports that have been proven to have no link to forced labor.” Yet, the market adapted and “posted record growth” in 2023 and 2024.

Even now solar remains the cheapest new energy source in the U.S., and “not even these tariffs will increase prices enough to change that,” says Nichols. After the Inflation Reduction Act passed, “solar installations jumped 51% year-over-year in 2023 and reached nearly 50 GW in 2024.” The United States has ramped domestic manufacturing up by more than fourfold since the IRA was passed, so its long-term trajectory is strong, despite the current policy creating “temporary turbulence.”

The solar industry is resilient and should able to overcome these tariffs. As Nichols says, “We’ve been here before, we adapted, and we’ll do it again.”

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What do Trump’s newest tariffs mean for solar?

Earlier in April, the Trump administration announced a 90 day pause on plans to enforce reciprocal tariffs, but it still moved forward with implementing a 10% tariff on most global trading partners and a 145% tariff rate on China, putting additional pressure on the solar industry. Tariffs increase prices and disrupt supply chains, and solar manufacturing isn’t immune to these impacts. Despite the potential upside for domestic manufacturers, as the tariffs are enforced, the cost of going solar will increase for homeowners across the U.S.

As U.S. trading partners and markets continue to absorb the shock of Trump's ever-changing tariff policies, it remains uncertain what additional short and long-term consequences will arise for the solar industry. While rising prices and manufacturing headaches are to be expected, it's too soon to tell how far-reaching the ramifications will be.

“Tariffs are like the game whack-a-mole. As soon as you crack down on manufacturing in one country, another springs up to take its place,” said Nichols.

For now, how the tariffs will play out is still coming into focus, but one clear impact is that battery storage is likely to take a significant hit from this year's tariffs, as the U.S. still relies heavily on importing batteries from China.

Solar tariffs under the first Trump administration

The first Trump administration made enforcing tariffs a key part of its trade policy. In 2018, Trump imposed Section 201 tariffs on solar panels imported from foreign countries, aiming to bolster American solar manufacturers. While American solar panel manufacturing did see an expansion, installation costs for homeowners escalated as a result. 

However, during President Trump’s first term, the solar industry still experienced an expansion, increasing 128% and reaching 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar. Despite that growth, Trump's tariffs still negatively impacted the industry, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

• Tariff increases led to 62,000 fewer solar jobs 

• Installation prices for homeowners increased 

• $19 billion in new private sector solar investment was lost

How President Biden handled solar tariffs

During his four years in office, former President Biden expanded on the tariffs that were originally imposed during the first Trump administration. In 2024, Biden raised tariffs on photovoltaic cells from 25% to 50%, and imposed anti-dumping laws meant to stop U.S. companies from importing underpriced solar imports.These changes presented a challenge for the solar industry by impacting the availability and cost of solar equipment. 

Increase in Section 201 and Section 301 Tariffs

In 2024, the Biden administration increased Section 201 tariffs on specific Chinese imports. Under the CHIPS Act, this increase included certain solar panel components, such as the silicon used in solar cells. At the end of the year, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office also announced a 25% increase on Chinese-made solar wafers and polysilicon. Duties on certain tungsten products also rose from zero to 25%. Those hikes went into effect on the first day of January 2025.

Enforced Anti-dumping Laws

The Biden administration also enforced anti-dumping laws and countervailing duty  investigations in 2024 in major solar manufacturing countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Those laws are meant to prevent foreign solar panel manufacturers from flooding the U.S. market.

Solar is still a smart investment

Despite potential increases in costs and installation, solar is still a smart investment and a growing industry. Since 2000, more than 219 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity has been installed nationwide, which is enough to power over 37 million homes.

According to Nichols, solar is still a great “long-term choice for homeowners and business owners looking to cut energy costs and contribute to the stability of our electric grid.” Shifts in policy will impact the cost of solar in the short term, “but that doesn't change the fact that solar technology is cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable than it's ever been.”

Fewer imports from Southeast Asia and China could disrupt the supply chain

In 2025, experts like Adam Bushell, director and electrician at AB Electrical & Communications in Sydney, Australia, say we should “expect a period of transition in which households may encounter delays or increased expenses while the sector changes.”

An increase in tariffs on Southeast Asia and China likely means an increase in production costs and limited inventory for the short term. However, that may benefit America’s solar manufacturers by reducing competition in the long term.While a major reduction in solar equipment coming in from other countries is an opportunity for American companies, it means they’ll have to work to streamline the supply chain in order to meet consumer demand.

“An expanded domestic supply chain could ultimately stabilize prices, but that transition could take years,” Nichols says. “In the short term, it would likely shrink the market.” So while these increases may mean it will be harder and more expensive to get solar equipment quickly in 2025, it could mean a more sustainable solar supply in the long run.

New tariffs will likely increase upfront costs

Both new and higher tariffs mean the cost of installing solar is likely to rise in 2025. While some of Trump’s newest tariffs have already gone into effect, solar costs probably won’t rise immediately. If you plan on installing solar in 2025, Bushell recommends that homeowners begin gathering quotes as soon as possible, “since locking in contracts before tariffs have a significant impact on price may save them money.”

When July turns to August, it can feel like the summer months really start to fly by. Before we know it, the autumn leaves will fall in New England, and temperatures will cool enough in Southern California for a dusty desert hike.

With the changing seasons come new routines and practices: Raking leaves, clearing the gutters—and cleaning your solar panels to maximize their energy production. 

While going solar is pretty much a "set it and forget it" way to power your home with renewable energy, depending on where you live, you’ll still need to clean your solar panels once or twice a year to ensure you get the maximum energy benefit from your solar investment.

Cleaning your solar panels can increase production by 10-25%

“Coastal areas, agricultural zones, and high-traffic or industrial regions tend to accumulate more dust, salt, or debris, making more frequent cleaning essential for maintaining system output,” Marlon Porter, owner of OnPoint Solar Cleaning in San Diego, told EnergySage. “Our customers typically see a 10-25% increase in performance, depending on how dirty the panels were prior to cleaning and how long it had been since the last service.”

Keeping your solar panels clear of debris helps maximize efficiency by allowing them to absorb the most sunlight possible. When dust or other particles cover your panels, it means they won’t be able to produce as much power—and that ultimately means you’ll lose some of the financial benefits of going solar. That’s why it’s important to keep up your solar panel maintenance, and clean them about every six months if you live in a dry or dusty environment. 

If you have experience working on roofs, cleaning your solar panels is a relatively simple process you can likely do yourself. Otherwise, we recommend hiring a professional service to do it for you.

How often should you clean your solar panels?

Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight to produce power. If they get dirty or build up layers of grime and dust over time, those pollutants and particles will prevent your panels from absorbing as much sunlight as possible. 

In general, you should clean your solar panels about every six months—but it really depends on your location. If you live somewhere where it rains a lot, you won’t need to clean your panels as often as someone who lives in a dry and dusty area where debris builds up more quickly. 

“Most systems benefit from cleaning twice a year, usually in the spring and fall,” Porter said. “In areas with high dust, pollen, bird activity, or nearby industry, quarterly cleanings may be recommended to maintain peak efficiency.”

In many parts of the country, occasional rain is typically enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower their energy production. So, if you get a good amount of rain this year, you can likely skip a cleaning or two.

Still, a good cleaning every once in a while can always help maximize your system’s output, no matter where you live.

Areas that require regular solar panel cleanings

• Desert climates: Places like the U.S. Southwest need more regular cleanings due to the large amount of dust and sand that can affect a solar energy system's output.

• Areas near highways, factories, and airports: These places tend to be more polluted, so solar panels should be cleaned more frequently to avoid residue buildup from pollutants that could result from heavy traffic and machinery nearby.

• Heavily wooded areas: Solar panels should be frequently cleaned in heavily wooded areas to prevent obstructions like overgrown vegetation and bird droppings.

Should you remove snow from your solar panels?

Snow typically slides off solar panels on its own, so you don’t usually need to remove it yourself. 

Solar panels are installed at an angle, meaning snow will naturally slide off as it melts. But if snow persists on your panels, you can invest in tools like a solar panel snow rake. You shouldn’t use a standard broom, shovel, or any other non-specialized tool to remove snow from panels, as these tools can scratch the panel glass and lower your solar power production.

DIY vs. professional solar panel cleaning

Just like washing your car, you can also DIY solar panel upkeep. However, using soap and water on your roof is much more risky than in your driveway. If you lack experience working on roofs, we recommend hiring a professional solar panel cleaner. 

Even if you’re a diligent cleaner, a professional solar panel cleaning company is likely better equipped to safely clean and maintain rooftop systems with all the necessary equipment. Scratching or damaging the glass in any way will reduce a panel's energy production—much more than any removable soot or dust buildup will—and potentially void your warranty, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. It’ll usually only cost you around $150-$350.

Hiring a professional solar panel cleaner is the safest option

“Professional cleanings are more effective thanks to purified water systems and non-abrasive tools designed specifically for solar panels. But more importantly, safety is our top priority,” Porter said. “Climbing ladders and working on roofs come with a high risk of injury. Our technicians are OSHA-certified, fully trained in fall protection, and compliant with all safety standards.” 

“We do not take ladder safety lightly and strongly discourage DIY cleaning on elevated surfaces,” he said.

Professional cleaning may not be necessary for ground-mounted systems because you can safely and effectively clean your panels with a water hose, dish soap, and a soft rag without climbing onto your roof—just be aware of the ingredients in your cleaning products. 

“Using tap water or abrasive materials can lead to hard water stains, residue buildup, or even surface damage, reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the panels,” said Porter.

Can you pressure wash solar panels?

Your solar installer may offer solar panel cleaning packages

Solar lease agreements often include a maintenance clause that may cover regular cleanings. However, keep in mind that it can sometimes be hard to get the company to come back to your house to perform any maintenance once they’ve installed your system.

If you own your solar panels, your original installer may clean them for a small fee or offer bundle deals with local cleaning companies. Some companies perform regular maintenance on their panels, including washing services, while others just repair damages the customer reports. You’ll need to read the fine print of your agreement before signing it to determine whether cleaning services are included. 

“We partner with many solar installers and asset managers across California and offer custom maintenance packages, which may include regular cleanings, performance checks, and visual inspections to ensure systems are running at optimal levels,” Porter told EnergySage.

Keep solar panel cleaning on your seasonal home maintenance checklist

Just like clearing out your gutters or checking your HVAC filters, solar panel cleaning is a simple task that can pay off over time—especially as dust, pollen, and debris build up with the changing seasons.

Keeping your panels clean helps protect your investment and ensures your system produces as much energy—and savings—as possible. A quick rinse in the spring and fall could be all you need, but if you live in a dusty or high-pollution area, consider scheduling cleanings more regularly.

If your electric bill seems higher lately, you’re not imagining things. The U.S. grid is under pressure, and your utility rate is caught in the crossfire.

Residential electricity rates in the U.S. have climbed 32% in the last decade, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In 2014, the average price of electricity was just 12.52 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh)—by 2024, it had reached 16.48 cents.

Since 2022, residential electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation—a trend expected to continue through at least 2026. Rates increased in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the last 10 years. California saw the steepest hike at 96%, while Utah’s rates grew just 6.4%. That disparity stems from a range of factors, including each state’s unique energy mix, infrastructure investments, policies, and vulnerability to extreme weather.

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Electricity rates grew by more than 20% in most states

Between 2014 and 2024, the average annual electricity price increased in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Notably, rates grew by 20% or more in 39 states and D.C. and California experienced the most significant increase by a landslide, with electricity prices nearly doubling in a decade. 

“California is a real outlier. If you take California out of the national average, [electricity prices] have gone up at about the rate of inflation,” Severin Borenstein, professor at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and faculty director of the Energy Institute, told EnergySage regarding California’s shocking rate hikes. “But, that's not to say that other states won't follow California in the future, particularly given data center demand.” 

Top 10 states with the greatest electricity price increases

Power-hungry AI data centers are driving up demand

When you think about what affects the cost of electricity, fuel prices may be the first thing that comes to mind. And while oil and gas prices certainly play a role, they haven’t been the main driver of recent price hikes in the U.S. Instead, delivery charges are racking up Americans’ bills. 

Here's what we mean: Electric bills consist of two main charges—supply and delivery.

• Supply charges cover the actual electricity itself. These charges fluctuate with market conditions, including fuel prices.

• Delivery charges cover the cost of transporting that electricity to your home or business. This includes maintaining and upgrading the poles, wires, substations, and transmission lines that make up the electric grid. Unlike supply charges, delivery charges are often tied to fixed costs.

The main culprit behind many recent rate hikes isn’t the cost of electricity supply itself, but the delivery charges related to its transmission and distribution. Rising electric bills result from an aging, overburdened grid that needs expensive upgrades to adequately deliver electricity. Utilities are investing billions of dollars to modernize and expand the grid system, and those costs are ultimately passed along to customers.

“We certainly point to building out the transmission network as a way to lower prices because it can enable us to move cheap electricity across different regions, but it's a double-edged sword from that perspective,” Christopher Knittel, professor at MIT Sloan School of Management and director of the Climate Policy Center and the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEPR), told EnergySage.“We have an aging infrastructure, so even if we just maintain the status quo, that will lead to higher rates as we renew that infrastructure.”

These fixed infrastructure costs will only play an increasingly significant role in rising electricity rates. At the same time, electricity demand is surging due to growing AI use and electrification, necessitating the construction of new power generation sources. Meanwhile, more frequent and severe extreme weather events are damaging infrastructure, leading to costly repairs.

“California is an outlier, but it's also a harbinger,” Borenstein said. “We have drastically higher rates, but that’s not a function of higher wholesale costs—it’s a result of dealing with climate change. Extreme weather is impacting electricity systems and requires new investments, which feed into rates.”

“I think a lot of other states will soon be there, too,” he said. “Look at the wildfires in Washington and Oregon and the flooding in Texas—to be realistic about increasingly extreme weather, they’re going to have to make more [grid] investments.”

Electricity prices are projected to keep soaring

The pressure on the grid—and, in turn, on electricity prices—isn’t letting up. Given the popularity of generative AI models, data center electricity demand is set to grow 130% by the end of the decade. Across the country, new data centers are waiting to be connected to the grid, and many more are in the pipeline.

But the grid simply isn’t ready to handle that demand. New fossil fuel power plants take years to build and connect, extreme weather events continue to cause costly disruptions, and the backlog for grid interconnections is growing. All of this creates a perfect storm that threatens grid reliability and will likely push electricity prices even higher.

“Demand is going up and we're going to need new generation, but there are supply chain bottlenecks,” Knittel said. “Anytime we build a nuclear plant, it takes longer than expected. Even if you’re not worried about climate change, you should embrace renewables just because we need electricity from everywhere.”

Until recently, federal tax credits like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) helped stabilize electricity prices by incentivizing clean energy development. However, the repeal and roll back of these credits in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has weakened those signals to investors, making electricity generation more expensive at a time when demand is surging.

“We would expect those federally subsidized renewables to push down prices. Phasing out the investment tax credit and the production tax credit will only raise prices,” said Knittel.

Home solar can protect homeowners from rising electric bills

While policymakers and utilities grapple with long-term fixes, homeowners have a short-term solution: rooftop solar. By going solar, you can lock in lower electricity costs for decades and protect yourself from the volatility of a strained and evolving grid. 

The benefits of residential solar are especially compelling right now. Homeowners who install solar before the 30% federal tax credit expires after December 31, 2025, can take full advantage of one of the last major federal incentives for clean energy.

Either way, as electricity prices rise, the financial case for solar energy only gets stronger.

When Lauren Bash opened her front door to find two gas leaks that would cost $15,000 to repair, she saw it as a sign. The Los Angeles-based climate activist and influencer said she had been considering solar for months, but suddenly the decision felt urgent—not just because of the broken pipes, but because of something much bigger looming on the horizon.

The federal solar tax credit, which allows homeowners to claim 30% of their solar installation costs as a credit on their tax bill, expires after December 31, 2025. As a longtime advocate for renewable energy, Bash said she was naturally drawn to going solar, but the tax credit was “a huge lure” for her to get the process started sooner rather than later. 

"I live in Los Angeles, where we're really lucky to have sunny days the majority of the year," Bash said. "It felt like an obvious choice that we should harness the power of the sun to power our home and essentially be like a generator for our community."

From gas leak disaster to solar success story

For Bash, the road to solar began with a bit of a disaster. When construction work on her century-old home caused underground shifting, the gas company discovered two dangerous leaks during what should have been a routine reconnection.

"The gas company was like, 'No, you have two really bad leaks,' and it was going to cost $12,000 to $15,000 just to repair the gas pipes," she said. "I'm really fortunate to have a lot of friends in the community who work in decarbonization, and they were like, 'Gas appliances will be obsolete in LA eventually, this is just the encouragement and the time you needed to electrify.'"

Instead of fixing the gas lines, Bash decided to go fully electric. She started with appliances—an induction stovetop, heat pump water heater, and electric dryer—before turning her attention to solar panels to power it all.

But like many first-time solar shoppers, she quickly felt overwhelmed by aggressive sales tactics and confusing technical jargon.

"I made the mistake of filling out a questionnaire online somewhere that said, 'I live in Los Angeles, I want solar,'" Bash said. "Every five minutes, it was an installer calling me saying, 'We saw that you're interested.' I was like, 'What a mistake putting my phone number on this questionnaire.'"

That's when a friend recommended Lauren use EnergySage. She said the difference was immediate.

"It was so nice because it's essentially like a shield between all the installers—they have to go through EnergySage to access you," she explained. "Sam was my Energy Advisor at EnergySage, and he was awesome. He walked me through everything and looked at my roof and my tree coverage, and my electricity bill."

Through the marketplace, Bash received seven quotes from local installers, with prices varying by as much as $15,000. With Sam's guidance, she narrowed it down to three detailed proposals before making her final choice.

"Sam recommended looking at how long they've been in business," Bash said. "It was very easy a couple of years ago to start a solar business because it was so hot, but the potential risk is that they might not be in business to help you maintain or repair your panels."

She ultimately chose an installer who had been in business for over 40 years—well before solar became mainstream.

Going solar right in time to claim the tax credit

While the gas leak emergency prompted Bash's decision, her installation timeline couldn't have been better positioned for the changing federal landscape. The 30% federal solar tax credit, which can save homeowners around $9,000 on an average system, is set to expire after December 31, 2025 due to President Trump’s megabill eliminating it almost a decade ahead of schedule.

"The 30% tax [credit] for getting solar was a huge lure for us," Bash said.

The average solar panel system costs around $28,000, but the tax credit drops that to approximately $19,400, meaning homeowners who miss the deadline could face significantly longer payback periods. In states without local solar incentives, missing the tax credit could push payback periods from 8-10 years to 15-21 years total.

The installation process moved quickly for Bash, about 60 days from contract signing to installation. But she said her timeline included 30-45 days of research beforehand, making the total process three to four months.

"It's definitely not a 'wait till the last minute on December 31st, find your installer' situation," she warned. "I feel even a four or five-month leeway is probably best."

That translates to starting research and getting quotes right now.

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The installation day that changed everything

On installation day, Bash's excitement was palpable. "This might not be the most glamorous home project, but it's definitely the one I'm most excited about," she shared in a video documenting the process.

The installation team completed the work in less than a day, and remarkably, her system kicked on immediately.

"The install was so fast. The guys got it done in less than a day. And on the same day that it was installed, we were generating, which was really cool," she said.

However, like many solar customers, Bash discovered that utility companies don't always make the final steps easy. "We're still in the process of getting the solar meter set up with the utility company," she explained, noting the delays from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in getting her system fully connected to the grid for net metering.

Her system now generates significantly more power than her household needs, especially during Los Angeles's abundant sunny months. She said she’s excited to feed excess clean energy back into the grid for her neighbors to use.

Looking beyond political uncertainty

Despite current federal policy uncertainties, Bash said she remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of her solar investment. She pointed to her mother, who installed solar panels in LA about 15 years ago, before any incentives existed.

"My mom has obviously paid off her panels because she's had them for so long, and she doesn't have an electricity bill," Bash said. "Her bill used to be $3,000 a year, and now it's $30 a month for whatever fee you have to pay the utility company."

For Bash, going solar represents something deeper than financial savings—it's about health, values, and community impact.

"We're even making a cute little sign for our fence that says 'this house is fossil fuel free' because we're truly off of gas," she said. "We're not contributing to any of the toxins in the atmosphere that impact our community or our neighborhood."

For homeowners considering solar, time is running short to claim the full 30% federal tax credit. "You can still get solar and qualify for the [tax credits] if your system is fully installed before December 31st,” said Bash. “Don't hesitate, and use EnergySage to find your solar installers and start generating your own energy independence right on your own roof."

Americans like electric vehicles (EVs). We bought more than 1.3 million of them in 2024 alone. So why do some people still hesitate when it comes to making the switch to an EV?

Two big issues that often hold people back from investing in an EV are range anxiety and charge anxiety—the fear of keeping an EV powered and moving, and the fear that an EV’s battery won’t maintain enough charge to reach its destination.

Those are understandable concerns, and there’s evidence to show those fears aren’t unfounded: A 2024 study found that of the more than 64,000 public charging stations in the U.S., roughly one in five didn’t work.

The study also found that locations of charging stations were clustered together, putting rural areas and smaller cities known as “charging deserts” at a disadvantage when it comes to access to public charging stations.

While these infrastructure issues are complex and will take time to solve, a new wave of startups is taking on the challenge of developing software systems and charging networks that work in tandem, helping to stabilize EV charging across the country.

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The EV charging station availability issue

Right now, there are almost 80,000 EV charging stations stacked with more than 242,000 individual chargers in the U.S. That number represents a significant uptick from last year, when only about 64,000 charging stations were operating, but the country still has a long way to go.

Unsurprisingly, California leads the pack with 24% of all charing stations and 28% of all chargers, with New York, Florida, and Texas following. West coast cities tend to have more chargers overall: Los Angeles has the most EV charging stations, followed by San Diego, Atlanta, Seattle, and Austin.

In 2024, EVs captured a full 10% market share of light-duty vehicles in the U.S.: That kind of charging station growth is promising, and suggests the 30C tax credit was working as intended—but it also highlights a critical need to build more charging networks in areas currently lacking access to public charging stations.

Luckily, most companies that build and operate charging networks, known as Charge Point Operators (CPOs), are beginning to recognize the increasing demand and work to increase supply and reliability.

Startups are using AI to make networks efficient

Take the new partnership between Driivz, an energy management software platform for EV operators, and Greenspot, a CPO that operates charging stations in more than 18 states.

“Our software is really the engine for CPOs to manage their network of chargers and determine if they’re healthy,” said Andy Bennett, chief executive officer at Driivz. “If they're not working, then how do we fix that without human intervention?”

Here's how it works: Driivz uses a “self-healing algorithm” that can detect everything from whether a charger is working properly to an issue like a billing error— and then fix all of those problems remotely. If physical repairs are needed on the charging hardware, the company also runs a 24/7 call center that dispatches field technicians to troubleshoot maintenance issues in person.

Software that can support all types of chargers

Many legacy chargers, almost all of which are Level 2 AC chargers and tend to be located parking garages and office buildings, have vastly different management needs than next-generation DC fast chargers, which tend to be concentrated at gas stations and shopping centers, and can charge EV batteries in a fraction of the time.

This is the problem Driivz says its software helps solve: It supports more than 2,000 types of chargers, making it flexible enough to interoperate across almost every type of charger.

That also makes the software ideal for deployment across the thousands of legacy chargers at Greenspot locations around the world. “Our growth is proportional to their growth,” Bennett said.

Grid reliability and regulatory concerns are key issues

One of the chief concerns among CPOs is having continuous access to reliable power, a sentiment that's shared among developers of large, energy-intensive infrastructure, be it data centers, manufacturing plants or otherwise.

With the OBBBA’s rescinding and rolling back of investment and production tax credits in the renewable energy space, combined with the Trump administration’s pause on $3 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, issues like grid reliability and EV charging network growth are now top of mind for industry executives.

But Bennett and others are confident that market growth is far enough along to weather today’s political headwinds. As energy consumption increases across the country, CPOs still have complex decisions to make and a tight timeframe to do it, Bennett said.

“As we move away from just megawatts of energy consumption into terawatts, which is where we’re already at, CPOs have to decide when to buy energy, when to dispense it, and when to throttle back,” he said.

These questions are also related to concerns over other common issues like utilization rates of specific charging stations, peak demand hours, variable energy loads, and network-wide availability, among other factors. Creating a fundamental structure for managing all of those issues is a key part of Driivz’s software, Bennett says.

EV adoption must increase for the numbers to work

In the EV space, issues like charging “deserts,” areas with few public charging resources in overlooked regions, present a problem for the companies looking to expand public EV charging networks.

That's because EV car owners must consistently use their charging stations in order for their business model to work. Enough people who own EVs need to live nearby these charging stations for CPOs to turn a profit. Most CPOs need roughly an 18% utilization rate to break even, but not every station can manage that.

“Across the entire ecosystem, the average utilization is 12%,” Bennett said. “Some stations are as high as 40%, and some are as low as 5%, so you get a lot of variability there.”

So how can the interoperability problem be solved?

The other issue looming over the industry is interoperability: how to build software systems and chargers that seamlessly share and use data on their own, without humans intervention. With so many different types of chargers, developing industry standards is paramount.

 “The industry has done a great deal [in the last decade] with creating standards for interoperability,” though this wasn’t always the case, Bennett said. This progress has allowed Driivz’s software to be installed in more than 200,000 individual chargers across the globe, representing thousands of types, sizes, and capacities all successfully working on the same system.

There are a few ways the EV sector can move towards standardization. One is to make the switch from Level 2 chargers to DC fast chargers. This is likely a ways off, given that many of the biggest CPOs, including ChargePoint, only have small percentages of fast chargers in their networks. There are some exceptions like EVgo and Electrify America, which both have more DC chargers than Level 2 AC chargers.

There are a few main reasons for this ratio — starting with the fact that it’s more expensive to operate and charge with a DC fast charger. Additionally, not every EV can absorb that much power in such a short period. So, while the transition will be gradual, maintaining a healthy mix moving forward is likely the smart play.

For the time being, the complexity and cumbersome nature of global charging networks – from legacy hardware and new tech to reliability concerns – is the core problem Driivz is tackling. As EV charging gains more flexibility and industry standards are adopted, startups like Driivz and Greenspot will continue to push clean technology forward.

“The endpoint for the automotive industry is electric. You can’t find anyone who will disagree with that,” he said.“The only question is, where does that endpoint sit?”

As Richard Zagame builds his newest home, he's thinking about more than just today's needs. The veteran contractor knows that with electricity prices soaring and solar technology improving, future homeowners will likely want clean energy options. That's why his current project in Newton, Massachusetts, is designed to make adding solar panels as simple as plugging in an appliance.

"It's less invasive and cheaper to have the wiring built in beforehand instead of setting it up when the home's all finished," said Zagame, who owns Metro Construction and has over 30 years of construction experience in New England.

"It's wise to make the home as energy-efficient as you can, especially today when electricity prices are as expensive as they are—people are going to want solar,” he said

Zagame's approach reflects a growing trend across Massachusetts and beyond, as many municipalities have adopted “solar-ready” requirements for new builds. Building a solar-ready home means designing the structure for easy compatibility with solar energy systems, with optimal roof orientation and pre-installed electrical infrastructure that can save future homeowners thousands of dollars and reduce installation time.

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Tips for builders designing a “solar-ready” new home

A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) backs up Zagame’s point—installing solar at the same time as home construction can significantly cut costs overall. Whether you're a builder working on designing a home that's ready for solar, or a property owner in the midst of construction, there are solar-ready design guidelines that can make the process easier for everyone.

The solar planning process begins early in design. Zagame said his architect conducted an irradiance study on the house to determine where rooftop solar panels would generate the most electricity. This analysis allows electricians to map out the best wiring routes from the first-floor electrical panel to the third floor, ready for future rooftop connections.

"It's not difficult at all for the electrician—quite the opposite. It's very easy when the house is in the rough because it's all open," Zagame explained. "Being solar-ready is part of the requirement for the city of Newton, so it has to be inspected while the walls are still open. This house has been inspected and we’re all up to code," he noted.

When designing a home that is solar-ready, it’s important to pay attention to:

• Steepness and orientation of your roof:. A south-facing roof that is angled between 30 and 45 degrees is the most ideal for solar.

• The layout of roof vents, chimneys, dormers:. Will any of these things cause shading on your solar panels during the day? Shade can negatively impact electricity production.

• Roof load-bearing specifications: Make sure that your roof can bear the additional weight of a solar panel system.

• Designated roof mounting points for your solar panels: Integrating the mounting points can save time and money, and reduce the likelihood of damage to the roof during solar installation.

There are also key electrical considerations to take into account, including:

• Installation of electrical conduit from your main electrical panel location to the roof:You'll need to run a conduit between your solar panels and your electrical panel.

• Specification of main service panel and circuit breakers:. Ensure that your setup can handle a solar panel array.

• Space near the main electrical panel for PV inverters and other equipment: While most of your solar panel system is on the roof, some components need to be installed near your electrical panel.

You can learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Guide for Homebuilders.

What are solar-ready building requirements?

While those tips are ideal for optimal solar conditions, builders like Zagame must also meet specific solar-ready requirements to comply with local building codes. 

Massachusetts has become a leader through its stretch energy code, an optional but increasingly popular building standard that cities and towns may adopt to exceed baseline energy efficiency requirements. As of 2025, 45 municipalities—including Newton, Watertown, Somerville, and Cambridge—require new homes to include designated roof space and electrical infrastructure to support future solar installations.

According to Massachusetts’ state code, solar-ready requirements apply to: 

• New single-family and two-family homes with roof areas between 600 and 2,000 square feet generally face south (oriented between 110° and 270° of true north).

• Townhouses and similar attached dwellings that meet the same criteria.

• Large commercial buildings over 100,000 square feet.

These new building requirements ensure that homes are ready for solar panels even if a future homeowner doesn’t install them. Homes are only exempt from solar-ready requirements if they’re too heavily shaded (more than 70% of daylight hours annually) or lack suitable roof orientations.

Zagame said you can think of solar-ready infrastructure similarly to pre-wiring a home for cable TV or internet—standard features we’ve come to expect in modern homes. To meet Massachusetts’ solar-ready standards, homes must include the following elements, according to the stretch energy code:

• Reserved roofspace: At least 300 square feet of unobstructed roof area designed for future solar panels

• Electrical infrastructure: An electrical panel with a reserved space for the circuit breaker needed to connect solar panels. (This eliminates the need for costly electrical panel upgrades later.)

• Documented pathways: Construction documents must show how the electrical conduit will run from the designated solar area to the electrical panel, streamlining future installations. 

• Structural readiness: Roof load calculations confirm the structure can support the additional weight of solar panels and mounting equipment.

Zagame admits the rules are much stricter than they used to be, but he says he believes the new standards are a smart policy for the future of home construction.

“I like the fact that the state of Massachusetts is more up-and-up on building more energy-efficient homes compared to a lot of the rest of the country,” he said. “In Newton, it doesn’t get much stricter—you can’t put in gas anymore, they don’t want any fossil fuels, period. Which, really, is a good thing.

“The technology we have today, like the new heat pumps and induction stoves, has come a long way. And then if you have solar, it makes even more sense.”

Solar-ready benefits add up quickly

Even where solar-ready isn’t required by municipal code, building these features offers big advantages that smart builders and buyers can recognize:

• Increased home value: Solar-ready infrastructure can be an attractive selling point, especially in homes with all-electric appliances.

• Solar installation savings: Having the electrical infrastructure ready can shave thousands of dollars off your solar installation since electricians won’t need to upgrade panels or navigate complex routing through finished walls.

• Faster installation: With the groundwork laid, solar installations can be completed more quickly. “It basically removes a step for the solar installer,” Zagame said.

• Future flexibility: Even if solar isn’t in the immediate future for the new homeowner, they’ll have the option to easily add it down the line.

• Quality assurance: Having the electrical work inspected and approved during the construction process ensures all the infrastructure meets code and functions properly. Not only is this peace-of-mind for safety, but it can also speed up the solar installation timeline.

Plus, Zagame said adhering to solar-ready requirements doesn’t add much extra time or money to the construction process, making it a no-brainer.

A growing movement toward solar-friendly infrastructure

Massachusetts' solar-ready requirements reflect a broader national trend toward "solar-friendly" building practices. California has implemented similar requirements, and other states are also considering comparable measures as solar technology becomes increasingly mainstream and affordable.

The approach makes particular sense as cities and towns work to meet climate goals and residents face rising electricity costs. Communities adopting these standards are essentially future-proofing their housing, ensuring that clean energy remains accessible as technology evolves.

"I'm all for more energy efficiency," Zagame said. "Our electric bills are through the roof, so we should all start putting solar panels on them.”

At President Trump’s direction, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is reversing course on clean energy solutions for the grid. 

In July, the DOE released its Resource Adequacy Report per President Trump’s Executive Order 14262, Strengthening the U.S. Grid Reliability and Security. The administration claims that the purpose of the report was to establish a “uniform methodology” for analyzing grid reliability and identifying at-risk regions, but the implications for solar and wind generation suggest a political motive: Cast doubt on renewables to justify further investment in fossil fuels. 

The latest report has recycled familiar, but flawed, talking points against renewable energy, warranting a closer look at the facts behind the rhetoric. Amidst the politicization of energy policies, independent research emphatically underscores the advantages of solar projects—which deploy significantly faster than traditional power plants—and battery energy storage systems (BESS)—which effectively mitigate intermittency issues while fortifying our aging grid.

But contrary to the consensus of numerous government and independent assessments—including past reports from the DOE itself—that affirm the grid reliability benefits of clean energy, the dubious DOE report marks a clear departure from federal support for renewable energy. Instead, the president favors the expansion of finite fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas—an unsurprising development given the Trump administration’s agenda to “drill, baby, drill.” 

Notably, the publication of the report coincides with the enactment of the Big Beautiful Bill, which eliminates or expedites the phase-out of bipartisan clean energy tax incentives. These actions show that the Trump administration is more focused on undoing the previous administration’s legacy than priortizing the country’s long-term energy security and affordability. In doing so, they’ve created a dangerous situation for Americans by undermining some of the only electricity sources ready to meet rising demand today. 

As AI data centers, extreme weather, and electrification strain an already aging grid, the U.S. needs more power—and it needs it fast. Clean energy is ready to meet that challenge. Instead of unleashing its potential, the Trump administration is stalling progress and putting politics over reliability.

“It devastates the United States' competitiveness. We had the beginnings of a clean energy manufacturing boom in this country over the last two and a half years, thanks to the incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Kristina Costa, former White House advisor, said to EnergySage. 

“The actions of this administration cut off many of these programs in their infancy and make it vastly more burdensome to permit and build renewable energy projects in much of the country,” she said. “It takes the legs out from under that manufacturing renaissance.”

Despite the undeniable success of federal clean energy programs—the Inflation Reduction Act spurred $422 billion in private-sector clean energy investments and helped create more than 400,000 new jobs in less than three years—renewable resources like solar and wind remain under deliberate attack in Washington.

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Solar plus storage is a 24/7 energy source

A main critique of solar energy as a leading source of grid electricity is that it’s intermittent: It produces plenty of energy when the sun is shining, but not enough at night or when it’s cloudy. While this is a valid concern for standalone solar projects, solar panels paired with battery energy storage can dispatch power at any time, making these systems firm baseload generation sources in many cases.

 A new report from Ember, an independent energy think tank, found that 24-hour solar generation is possible with just 17 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage in most regions around the world. Sunny places like Las Vegas can achieve 97% reliability with this solar and storage solution alone.

“Around-the-clock solar is no longer just a technical possibility and distant dream, but an economic reality,” said Kostantsa Rangelova, global electricity analyst at Ember. “Solar with battery storage can easily become a reliable base load.”

Solar and storage stabilize the aging grid

Research suggests that clean energy alone could meet industry reliability standards in areas facing the most immediate threats to grid stability. A report by GridLab and Telos Energy found that the country’s most at-risk region—the southern part of PJM territory, where data center demand is disproportionately high—could handle rising electricity demand, planned fossil fuel power plant retirements, and maintain stable grid operations by tapping into less than a third of the renewable energy projects already awaiting connection. 

Batteries react to grid frequency disturbances more quickly than traditional sources, making them a more effective tool for maintaining grid stability and preventing outages, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). This speed advantage is especially critical as the aging grid struggles to keep up with rising electricity demand, increasing the risk of blackouts.

“Every major blackout incident in the United States in recent years was caused by thermal generators like coal or gas, not by failures of renewables,” Costa said to EnergySage. “Grid operators are increasingly acknowledging the very important role that solar and storage play in keeping the lights on and the air conditioning operating.”

Batteries make California’s grid stronger

California, for example, attributes its enhanced grid reliability to the rapid growth of battery storage and other clean energy technologies. In 2024, the largest utility service area ran on 100% clean energy three out of every five days and, despite periods of extreme heat, never had to issue a single Flex Alert—calls urging customers to reduce their electricity usage during peak demand periods to avoid grid outages.

“California’s grid is stronger, smarter, and cleaner than it has ever been,” said California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda. “We’ve invested in the tools and resources needed to manage extreme weather and maintain reliability as we continue our transition to 100% clean energy.”

Solar is the most affordable and scalable source of energy

Solar power isn’t just clean—it’s cheap. Even without government subsidies, utility-scale solar and wind are the most affordable source of new electricity in the U.S., according to a Lazard report. Building a solar power plant costs between $38 and $78 per megawatt-hour (MWH), while the price of new gas-fired power sits significantly higher, between $48 and $107 per MWH—a cost that continues to rise for natural gas. 

“The main reason why the cost of solar and the cost of batteries have fallen so much in recent years is because of the high speed of deployment, which allows for incremental innovation to take place and economies of scale to provide additional help,” Rangelova said to EnergySage.

Lazard’s latest Levelized Cost of Energy+ analysis found that gas plant construction is at its most expensive point in a decade, driven by record-high electricity demand and a growing shortage of equipment like turbines.

Meanwhile, solar and wind are not only the cheapest forms of power to build, but also the fastest to deploy. That speed is crucial as the U.S. grid races to keep up with AI-fueled data center demand, electrification, and heat waves.

“Renewables and battery storage are by far the fastest sources of new electrons—you're talking about a period of usually less than 18 months, sometimes less than a year, for solar and storage projects to get built and interconnected,” Costa said. “Other sources of new electricity take longer: We won't see more new gas capacity in the next five to seven years than we would have seen otherwise, and it takes 10 to 15 years to build a new nuclear plant in the best-case scenario.”

The more solar is added to the grid, the more stable and cost-effective the grid becomes: It reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, helps meet peak demand, and buffers against fossil fuel price volatility. Slowing solar adoption now risks long-term affordability.

Slowing solar momentum puts the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage to China

The U.S. can’t afford to stall on clean energy.

“We’re in unprecedented times for our industry; we haven’t seen this type of load growth since the advent of air conditioning,” Calvin Butler, chair of the Edison Electric Institute and CEO of Exelon, told Fortune in an interview. “We don’t believe we can get to energy dominance without having renewables as part of the solution.”

The Trump administration’s recent roll back on clean energy incentives could have global consequences. While China still leans heavily on coal, it’s also moving aggressively on clean energy. Renewables now supply roughly one-third of China’s electricity—compared to just 22% in the U.S. As both countries race to meet the demands of AI and data center infrastructure, the U.S. risks ceding leadership to China if it slows down its own grid buildout.

“The actions to undercut and terminate investments in research and development of new technologies are incredibly devastating to the ability of the United States to invent, demonstrate, scale, and deploy clean energy technologies,” Costa said. “The rest of the world is not changing their investment plans to move toward cleaner sources of electricity—they are continuing apace. The difference is that we are going to be artificially left behind.”

Rangelova agrees: “We’re seeing solar and battery deployment across the world accelerate. No one region can really slow that momentum. If the U.S. slows down while the rest of the world continues deploying at speed, it’s a national risk for the U.S. to lose out on being part of that global story.” 

Very sunny places like Arizona and California have the potential to become solar superpowers in the future, and losing that opportunity is the biggest risk to the U.S, she said.

The attack on clean energy is the real threat to U.S. grid security

While President Trump continues to promote “energy independence,” his policies undermine it. The Big Beautiful Bill stripped support from solar, wind, and battery storage—technologies that are cheaper and faster to build than fossil fuel or nuclear plants, making them critical to keeping pace with surging electricity demand.

“It's clear to grid operators, technical experts, utilities, and many customers around the country that the rhetoric coming out of the Department of Energy and the Trump administration surrounding the role that solar and storage can play on the grid just does not have any resemblance to reality on the ground,” Costa said. 

The real risk to grid security isn’t too much solar or wind—it’s the deliberate slowdown of the clean energy transition at a time when electricity demand is surging and traditional energy sources are failing. By stalling progress, the U.S. risks ceding its position as a global solar superpower to China—threatening not only its energy leadership, but also its economic competitiveness and national security in the decades ahead.

While anyone in the country can use ChatGPT, just a handful of states are shouldering the brunt of the energy burden required to power it.

Generative AI models answer millions of user queries from across the nation every day, yet only 15 states generate 80% of the energy required to power them: Virginia delivers the most electricity to data centers, followed by Texas, California, Illinois, and Oregon, according to a 2024 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) report. 

Data centers—facilities responsible for training and running generative artificial intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT—are often built in areas that have dependable power, fast internet, low electricity and property costs, and favorable policies. As a result, certain counties and cities have become data center hubs, skewing electricity demand in those regions. 

U.S. data center electricity consumption is projected to rise by as much as 130% by 2030. To keep up, the electric grid must simultaneously expand alongside data centers. However, because data centers tend to be clustered together in specific locations, the cost of building new infrastructure falls disproportionately on homeowners in those places. The aging grid wasn’t designed to accommodate today’s rising household electricity needs, let alone the massive demands from these geographically concentrated data centers, so utility companies must invest in expensive upgrade projects. Those costs, which are ultimately passed on to customers, could cause electric bills to increase 70% by 2029.

“Data centers have to compete for electricity with everyone else, and that creates scarcity,” Yury Dvorkin, associate professor at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, said to EnergySage. “We have essentially two problems: We don't have enough supply [to meet data center demand], and we don't have the omnipotent grid that can move power from location A to location B.”

For homeowners in data center-heavy regions, home solar panel systems offer a way to take control and avoid falling prey to impending electricity rate increases. By generating electricity independently, solar-equipped homes can reduce or eliminate their electric bills, insulating themselves from rising rates tied to utility infrastructure upgrades. 

As grid strain grows due to substantial demand from AI and other energy-intensive technologies, solar energy also provides resilience, helping to ease grid strain during periods of peak energy demand. 

“It’s a unique situation where we have an immediate shortage—which is fairly large—and quite a bit of uncertainty on how to move forward. A lot can be done on a mid- and long-term basis, but very little can be done in the short term because generation and transmission projects aren’t built quickly,” Dvorkin said.

“We need to think about fast transmission options as a short-term solution. We can deploy solar and other forms of distributed energy resources fast, and battery technology is available on relatively short notice,” he said.“This can help reduce the grid system's peak and provide relief.”

Data center power consumption by state

Northeast

Midwest

South

West

*Only states with significant data center load are included.

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Top states electrifying power-hungry data centers

Just 15 states accounted for 80% of national data center electricity consumption in 2023, according to EPRI. Virginia—particularly the northern part of the state—leads the nation by a wide margin, with more than a quarter of its electricity supply used solely to power data centers.

The other top states for data center electricity use are Texas, California, Illinois, Oregon, Arizona, Iowa, Georgia, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Nevada, in that order.

Data center electricity load in key states, 2023

As AI becomes a part of daily life, the data centers powering it are growing in both size and number. But this rapid growth, combined with lopsided electricity demand, puts significant pressure on the energy systems in the regions where these facilities are most concentrated.

To put it into perspective, a 100 megawatt (MW) data center consumes as much power as 80,000 homes, per EPRI. That’s a lot of energy. These high-capacity facilities create real congestion on the grid—especially when multiple centers are built in the same geographic area. That congestion strains existing infrastructure, increasing the risk of outages and overall grid instability for everyone in the area. 

Utility companies often point to this strain when proposing large-scale upgrades, and the cost of those investments is passed on to customers through higher electricity rates.

The “Big Beautiful Bill” makes a tough grid situation worse

Much of the U.S. electric grid is already outdated and overloaded, requiring substantial upgrades simply to meet today’s needs, let alone tomorrow’s. As data center growth accelerates, recent unfavorable legislative changes to federal clean energy policy will further push the grid’s limits in the coming years. 

The newly passed reconciliation package—branded the “Big Beautiful Bill” by President Trump—eliminates or phases out many significant federal clean energy tax credits that were previously helping drive down the cost of solar and battery storage projects, which in turn help power data centers and mitigate grid strain. Under the new law, the 30% residential solar tax credit will abruptly disappear on January 1, 2026—nearly a decade ahead of schedule and with no phase-down period. 

“These incentives aimed to make electricity produced by certain technologies cheaper. Remove those, and you accelerate the problem by returning the cost back up,” Dvorkin said. “Not only is demand driving the price, but the production itself becomes more expensive.”

In effect, the new law undermines the very technologies that make the grid stronger, more flexible, and cleaner, putting more stress on already insufficient infrastructure. 

Under Trump’s law, developers may find it harder to secure financing for clean energy installations—which will likely delay or cancel projects expected to help meet rising demand. For utility companies already citing reliability concerns, the rollback gives them further reason to double down on carbon-emitting fossil fuels that harm the environment.

Go solar now so you can take advantage of the solar tax credit

Rooftop solar can shield homeowners from rising rates and grid instability

As data centers drive up electricity demand, utility companies are investing heavily in new power plants, transmission lines, and substations—costs that are ultimately reflected in electricity rates. Homeowners are now increasingly on the hook for more expensive electric bills, especially in areas where this demand is most concentrated.

Rooftop solar offers a defense against these rising prices and instability. By generating their own solar electricity, homeowners can reduce or eliminate their electric bill while contributing to a more reliable grid.

“It takes years of contracting, permitting, construction, and delays to enable manufacturing and the supply chain for something like a gas turbine,”  Dvorkin said. “Deployable distributed energy resources can partially alleviate the strained capacity [from data centers] immediately: When you have 1,000 households delivering 10 kilowatts to the grid, you have the capacity equivalent to a small gas turbine.”

Rooftop solar can improve energy security for homeowners, too. When paired with battery storage, it can keep essential devices running during outages, offering peace of mind as the grid faces increasingly strained resources and growing blackout risks.

As AI’s appetite grows, homeowners who go solar can stay one step ahead—powered, financially protected, and off the hook—especially those who install systems by December 31, 2025. After this year, Trump’s clean energy policy, or lack thereof, will take effect, adding about $9,000 to upfront solar costs for homeowners. When it comes to solar, the AI boom isn’t waiting, and neither should you.

Summer is here, and so is road trip season. Whether you’re tent camping for the weekend, packing the whole family in an RV, or giving van life a go, you no longer have to sacrifice all the conveniences of electricity to truly unplug.

Portable solar panels offer sustainable, on-the-go power beyond the reach of traditional outlets. They’re ideal for small off-grid setups—whether you’re charging devices at a campsite, keeping a fridge running during a long drive, or topping off a battery pack on a hike.

Or, in Aaron Nichols’s case, working remotely from the road. “The thing I love about solar energy is that it enables lifestyles that were before unimaginable,” he told EnergySage from the comfort of his truck while camping. “Being able to work and drive to national parks during the week, and not having to stress about catching a flight and cramming it into the weekend, has been a very unexpected, wonderful pleasure.”

While portable panels can’t match the power output of rooftop solar systems, they offer a low-cost, eco-friendly way to stay connected off the beaten path.

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What are portable solar panels?

Portable solar panels are smaller and produce less electricity than traditional rooftop systems, making them perfect for off-grid and mobile energy needs—like camping, road tripping, or van life. When paired with a battery, they allow you to ditch the noisy gas-powered generator and enjoy the peace of nature while still powering your essentials.

Portable solar setups are also one of the few solar applications where a DIY installation is practical. That said, ensuring everything is connected safely and correctly is essential—especially when relying on your setup in remote locations. If you’re unsure, it’s worth consulting an electrician.

“I wouldn’t say anyone can do it, but anyone who's motivated can definitely try,” Remy, an HVAC technician and avid camper and climber from California, told EnergySage. “It’s probably about entry level—maybe intermediate. There are some little details that are pretty important.”

Remy said he takes multiple trips a month to camp, hike, and rock climb, all while relying on his van for shelter and power. “I want to be as self-sustaining as possible,” he said. “I don’t always have access to help from other people when I’m out traveling.”

Before installing a 200-watt solar panel on his van, he said he relied on the starter battery to run everything—something that made him nervous at times. If he drained it too far, he risked being stranded without a way to drive or call for help.

“Now, if there’s a problem with the panel and I don’t have power, I can still drive home,” he said. “If there’s a problem with the van battery, my refrigerator will still work.”

Best portable solar panels

Want to be like Aaron and Remy and design your own portable solar setup? Consider the following when selecting which solar panels to buy:

• Efficiency: In the portable panel market, the goal is to have a solar panel that reaches maximum efficiency while taking up as little space as possible. Your portable solar panel's effectiveness can be affected by shade and weather patterns during your trip, so choosing an efficient panel is vital to getting the best output. 

• Size: The right panel size depends on how—and where—you plan to use it. If you're hiking, walking, etc., you may need a smaller panel than if you're cooking at a campsite. And if you plan on attaching a solar panel to your RV or camper, weight is also a factor.

Portable solar panels can look really different and be used for various applications. But there are two main types to choose from: 

• Rigid panels: These are typically mounted on vans, RVs, or small cabins. They’re often more durable and come with longer warranties than foldable options.

• Foldable panels: Popular for tent and car camping, foldable panels offer greater flexibility in how and where you set them up—so you’re not stuck parking in the sun just to charge up.

Best rigid portable solar panels

1. Rich Solar Mega 200 Pro Rigid Solar Panel

The Rich Solar Mega 200 Pro 200-watt rigid solar panel is best for mounted RV and van solar setups. With a 24.8% efficiency, it’s highly efficient for a portable solar panel. It also comes at an affordable price with a great 10-year warranty. 

2. EcoFlow 175W Rigid Solar Panel

The EcoFlow 175W Rigid Solar Panel makes up for its lower output with its 25% conversion efficiency and affordability. At $179, it’s the least expensive product on our list. However, it only comes with a five-year warranty, as opposed to Rich Solar and Renogy’s 10-year term.

3. Renogy 200 W Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Renogy solar panels are highly rated and great for camping, RV, hiking, or other outdoor needs. The 200 W Monocrystalline solar panel is less efficient, more expensive, and a bit heavier than our other rigid options, but it does come with a solid warranty. 

Best foldable portable solar panels

1. EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel

EcoFlow offers a foldable solar panel option with the same high efficiency as its rigid panel. The NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel converts sunlight into electricity on both sides of the panel for even more generation. It has the highest output, the lowest price, and is the lightest panel on our foldable list. The biggest downside is that the NextGen 220W only has a short 12-month warranty. 

2. Bluetti 200W Portable Solar Panel

The Bluetti 200W Solar Portable Solar Panel comes in second place for foldable panels. With a 23.4% efficiency rating, it beats Rich Solar but falls short of EcoFlow. It’s lightweight but not the lightest option. While it’s cheaper than the Mega 200 Portable Briefcase, Bluetti has a much shorter warranty. Overall, Bluetti is a solid option, but depending on your needs, another option may fit the bill.

3. Rich Solar Mega 200 Portable Briefcase

Like EcoFlow, Rich Solar also sells a portable solar panel that folds up and can be stored away. The Mega 200 Portable Briefcase is the priciest on our list, but its five-year warranty dwarfs EcoFlow and Bluetti’s one-year term. However, of our foldable picks, it’s the heaviest panel with the lowest efficiency.

Panels are just one piece of a portable solar setup

Like rooftop solar systems, portable solar panels don’t work alone. You’ll need a few additional components to actually generate and use electricity. These include adapter cables, a battery or solar generator, an inverter, and mounting equipment to keep your panels secure while in use.

Aaron, who works at Exact Solar, a solar installation company in Pennsylvania, recommends sticking to one brand when possible. “They’re designed to be plug-and-play,” he told EnergySage. “If you're just piecing it together with a bunch of random components, it's going to be a lot more difficult.”

Solar panel kits often come complete with everything you need. If you want to store the power for energy outside daylight hours, equip yourself with cables, an inverter, and a battery pack in addition to your portable solar panel. You should also ensure you can connect your devices to the panels via USB ports or outlets.

What about solar generators?

The best way for DIYers, campers, and RV owners to reap the benefits of a portable solar setup is to pair panels with a solar generator, which is really just a battery that works with portable solar panels. With a solar generator system, you can use your solar setup to produce free energy whenever the sun is shining and store it for use later on—like at night.

Charging your phone on the go

For those who aren’t looking for a full portable solar setup, don’t worry: Some portable solar options are pocket-sized. Compact solar phone chargers harness sunlight to power phones, tablets, and other small devices, making them perfect for hiking, festivals, or emergency kits.

Unlike larger portable solar systems for camping or RV use, these solar phone chargers are typically all-in-one. There’s no setup required—just place the panel in the sun to collect energy, then plug in your phone via USB when you need a charge.

Products like the X-Dragon Solar Charger and BigBlue Portable Charger offer affordable, lightweight solar power for basic needs. While they won’t run your appliances, they can keep your phone charged when an outlet isn’t an option.

Portable solar panels aren’t just for road trips

On the other end of the spectrum are people looking to power stationary setups with solar. The good news is that portable solar panels don’t just need to be used for portable applications—they’re also great for powering low-demand off-grid setups like cabins, sheds, barns, or outdoor lighting. But while panels are the most visible part of the system, you’ll still need other components to generate usable electricity, such as wiring, a battery, and an inverter.

Just keep in mind that small panels won't do the job if you're looking to save money by offsetting your entire home energy use with solar. In that case, the best option is to get quotes for a professional installation that produces much more energy than smaller panels can.

How many portable solar panels do you need?

The number of portable solar panels you’ll need depends entirely on what you’re trying to power. Since panels come in different wattages, you’ll want to match your energy needs with the total output of your solar setup. For example, if you’re powering a 200-watt mini fridge in your RV, you’ll need either one 200-watt panel or two 100-watt panels.

Space is often the biggest constraint when planning a portable setup—sometimes even more so than with rooftop solar.

“Try to get absolutely as much [solar] as you can with the space that you have, so you always have enough power,” Remy advised. “It’s just one less thing to worry about. If I have to charge something big, it’s not an issue. If I leave the fan on all day, it’s not an issue.”

Remy said his single Renogy 200-watt monocrystalline panel gets the job done and then some. “I have a second panel, but it’s not on the rack. I don’t really need it at this point, and I like having the extra space to toss other things on the rack.” 

Portable panels vary in size based on their wattage. On the lower end of the wattage scale, panels can be close to 1 foot by 1 foot, and many 200-watt rigid solar panels tend to have dimensions of about 2 feet by 3 to 4 feet.

While Aaron also uses a 200-watt rigid solar panel paired with a battery, his setup is free-standing and deployed at each stop, rather than mounted on top of his truck. This frees up his roof for a tent, but requires a bit more planning.

“I’d recommend using an MC4 to DC connector—and make sure it’s a long one,” Aaron said. “Mine is about six, maybe eight feet. Sometimes the battery bank ends up in the sun, which makes it overheat, so I have to throw together a little shade structure pretty quickly.”

Should portable solar panels be your next big purchase?

Portable solar panels are worth it if you need to power small appliances like toasters, lights, and microwaves, or keep your devices charged during off-grid excursions. They can make your trips more comfortable and convenient, especially if you’re camping in remote areas or living on the road. But if you're fine going without electricity, you may not need to invest in a full portable solar setup.

For Remy and Aaron, portable solar has been a game-changer.

“Having the fridge makes prepping meals so much easier,” Remy shared. “It’s so nice not having to get ice every day.”

Aaron agrees: “Solar equals freedom. I can set up on dispersed land near trailheads and take video calls, record a podcast, and do everything I do at home. Then, as soon as I’m done working, hike the trail.”

If you value flexibility, self-sufficiency, and spending time outdoors, portable solar panels can enhance your travels. Even a minimalist setup can go a long way, according to Aaron. “You could do this in a Honda Civic.”

President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," signed on July 4, has created a tale of two solar markets. Both are scrambling to adapt to dramatically compressed timelines that threaten to disrupt America’s solar manufacturing boom, built after years of relying on foreign suppliers. 

For homeowners, the 30% residential solar tax credit ends completely after December 31, 2025, giving families just months to complete installations and save an average of $9,000. Meanwhile, commercial projects face their own crunch: Projects beginning construction after June 2026 must be placed in service by the end of 2027 to claim the credit.

The result? A dangerous disconnect between America's newfound manufacturing capabilities and the market conditions needed to sustain them.

Commercial safe harboring creates supply shortages for everyone

Safe harboring allows commercial developers to lock in current tax credit rates by either breaking ground on projects or investing at least 5% of project costs in equipment. While homeowners don't benefit from safe harboring provisions, the practice is causing ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain that affect every solar buyer.

"The industry is nervous about supply because of all the safe harboring of product that's no longer on the market," said David Dunlap, VP of product strategy at BayWa r.e., a global renewable energy developer and equipment distributor.

With the megabill’s compressed timelines, commercial developers are stockpiling panels, inverters, and other components to secure tax credits before they disappear—equipment that may otherwise be available to residential installers.

This is nothing new for the industry; in fact, it’s been beneficial in the past. Post-COVID, safe harboring allowed markets to grow and equipment prices to drop exponentially. Homeowners saved more, and grid reliability continually improved. But the megabill has made the safe harboring situation far more urgent: The legislation shortened the safe harbor grace period to one year and declared that projects must be in service by the end of 2027. 

To make things even more complicated, just three days after the bill was signed into law, the Trump administration issued an executive order to heavily restrict the use of safe harboring while also saying that "a substantial portion" of a project has to be built to qualify for clean energy tax credits. But what does “substantial” actually mean? That’s up to the Secretary of the Treasury to decide, and it has until mid-August to issue that guidance.

"It's legitimately fear-inducing," said Dunlap. "We should not be leveraging incentives to create a problem for ourselves that prevents us from deploying solar."

The safe harboring frenzy is pulling equipment off the market at a time when residential installers need reliable supply chains to meet the December 31, 2025 deadline for homeowner tax credits.

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Domestic manufacturing gains at risk

The timing couldn't be worse for America's solar manufacturing sector, which was finally hitting its stride. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law three years ago, spurred a manufacturing renaissance by adding or preserving key tax credits that have worked in tandem. 

The 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production tax credit has incentivized domestic production, while the 48C Advanced Energy Project tax credit has supported investments in facilities that produce clean energy components. Meanwhile, the 25D credit for residential systems and the 48E/45Y credits for commercial systems have stimulated demand—over 1.2 million homeowners used the 25D tax credit in 2023 alone, according to Rewiring America.

The numbers tell an incredible story: Domestic solar panel manufacturing capacity grew 619%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). In fact, the U.S. has experienced a fivefold increase in solar panel production since the passage of the IRA, with U.S. facilities beginning to produce solar cells domestically toward the end of 2024, for the first time since 2019.

But the megabill's accelerated project deadlines create a troubling paradox for domestic content incentives. The IRA introduced a 10% bonus credit for commercial solar projects made with increasing percentages of U.S.-made content—40% for projects under construction in 2024, rising to 55% by 2027.

The policy was created to give developers time to establish relationships with American suppliers while steadily reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing. A clerical error initially kept the investment tax credit threshold at 40% through mid-2025, though this has since been corrected. No requirements beyond 55% were ever specified—that level was considered the practical limit before domestic content rules might become counterproductive.

While the domestic content bonus will remain available as long as the underlying 48E commercial credits exist, they could go unused for some projects. When developers are racing to complete projects by 2027 to qualify for any credits, let alone bonus credits, they're more likely to source equipment wherever it's available rather than prioritize American-made components.

Foreign entity restrictions add compliance burden

To cut Chinese influence out of American clean energy projects, the Trump administration has also introduced new "Foreign Entity of Concern" (FEOC) rules in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” arguing that "reliance on so-called 'green' subsidies threatens national security by making the United States dependent on supply chains controlled by foreign adversaries."

Under the new restrictions, foreign entities and foreign-influenced companies are immediately barred from claiming commercial solar credits (48E/45Y) or manufacturing credits (45X). But the rules create additional compliance burdens for American companies: Starting in 2026, projects cannot receive "material assistance" from prohibited foreign entities if they want to qualify for tax credits.

This creates yet another escalating requirement. Companies must demonstrate that at least 40% of their 2026 project costs avoid prohibited foreign entities, with that threshold rising to 60% by 2030. Given that China controls more than 80% of the global solar supply chain, these requirements could force developers to pay premium prices for limited domestic alternatives or forfeit tax credits entirely.

"You're raising the threshold to comply, but then you're diminishing the magnitude of the incentive," said Dunlap.

The irony is stark: Policies designed to boost American manufacturing could end up undermining it. By creating impossible timelines and conflicting requirements, the megabill risks collapsing demand for solar precisely when domestic manufacturers need stable markets to justify their investments. Foreign manufacturers, meanwhile, benefit from the chaos—they can simply redirect their products to more predictable markets while American factories struggle with boom-bust cycles.

The residential market feels the squeeze

Caught in the crossfire are small, local solar installers facing an existential crisis and homeowners who want to go solar but find that equipment is increasingly scarce.

"Right now, product is going to get cheaper. Well, that means [distributors are] going to offload every ounce of product they can this year and carry zero product next year," said Dylan Hering, general manager with Centauri Systems, a Minnesota solar installation company. "That makes a lot of things more difficult. It's the right move to make, but by doing such a short sunset, there will be people who go bankrupt."

In the absence of federal tax credits, Hering supports the introduction of state-led credits to pick up some of the slack, especially in states like Minnesota that are aggressively pursuing decarbonization goals through 2040 and beyond.

An alternative pathway for installers could be to pivot toward solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), where companies retain ownership of the systems and can still claim commercial tax credits for systems placed in service until 2028. But these financing models aren't available in every state and they typically deliver lower long-term savings for homeowners compared to owning their systems outright.

For homeowners, EnergySage’s best advice is to get quotes now and confirm that the equipment they see in quotes is available and ready to be installed by the end of the year. Installers are already flagging that some popular equipment—like Tesla’s Powerwall 3 and some REC solar panels—is in short supply.

In the meantime, the next few months will determine whether America's solar manufacturing boom was a blip or the foundation for long-term energy security. After years of building toward energy independence, the industry is at a crossroads. It’s a moment that represents existential risk—and potentially, unprecedented opportunity.

President Trump signed the "Big Beautiful Bill" into law on Independence Day, cutting the 30% residential solar tax credit by December 31, 2025—nearly a decade ahead of schedule. 

After marathon floor debates and record-breaking vote lengths, the bill cleared the House on July 3, just in time to meet the President's arbitrary July 4 deadline.

The credit was set to continue through 2034 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Instead, it disappears entirely on January 1, 2026, creating a compressed timeline that will cause significant market disruption.

For homeowners considering solar, the math is now simple: Act before the end of the year and save thousands, or wait and pay full price.

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The tax credit ends next year, cutting $9K in savings

Homeowners have until December 31, 2025 to install solar panels and lock in the 30% federal tax credit—an average of $9,000 in savings. A tax attorney EnergySage spoke with believes that, at minimum, your system needs to be installed by the deadline. While interconnection and full payment are likely not necessary, others could interpret the language differently. The safest approach is to have your system running by December 31, 2025.

The deadline particularly impacts working families who rely on the tax credit to make solar affordable as electricity prices continue to climb. A recent study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that solar benefits aren't limited to wealthy households—in fact, 44% of households that went solar in 2023 earned less than $100,000 annually, with most (30.5%) of them earning between $50,000 and $100,000.

Without the federal credit, solar becomes significantly less accessible to middle-class homeowners seeking true energy independence.

The abrupt year-end cut only affects the residential solar tax credit (Section 25D of the U.S. Tax Code). Commercial solar projects and third-party-owned residential systems, such as leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), use a different tax credit (Section 48E), which remains available for systems placed in service before 2028.

Leases and PPAs face new restrictions

While companies offering leases and PPAs will continue to be able to claim the 30% tax credit, they still face restrictions. Projects beginning after July 4, 2026 must be completed by December 31, 2027.

And, to qualify for the tax credits, at least 40% of the components (by cost) in solar panel systems must not be sourced from any Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) in 2026, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Residential Solar Association. That percentage jumps 5% each following year until reaching 60% in 2030, which could influence project costs and availability.

Third-party financing provides homeowners with an alternative path to solar savings. These arrangements can reduce monthly electric bills with little to no upfront cost—but the tax benefits flow to solar companies rather than homeowners.

The key difference is ownership. With leases and PPAs, homeowners enter 20 to 25-year contracts where the solar company owns the system and the power it generates. While this eliminates maintenance responsibilities, it also means lower long-term savings compared to owning a system.

Rising electricity demand will increase costs for homeowners

By cutting the residential solar tax credit, Congress is eliminating the primary tool that helps families reduce their grid dependence, just as electricity demand surges and utility bills climb.

AI data centers are driving unprecedented electricity demand, with consumption expected to increase 130% by 2030. To meet this demand, utilities are expanding power generation and grid infrastructure—costs that get passed directly to homeowners through higher electric bills.

Rooftop solar can help defer or avoid large investments in infrastructure upgrades. It’s the fastest way to get more electricity to the grid. But, despite a growing number of these massive data centers coming online, Congress just ended the main incentive for this grid-stabilizing technology. Without distributed solar generation to help balance the load, the grid becomes more vulnerable to load-shedding requests, brownouts, and rolling blackouts. 

The average household could face about $143 more per year in electricity costs as utilities race to build new capacity. This makes losing the solar tax credit particularly costly for homeowners who could have locked in stable energy costs with their own solar systems while helping prevent the grid outages that become more likely as data centers multiply.

Solar industry braces for massive job losses

The residential solar industry supports over 100,000 jobs, with the vast majority being installers working for small, local businesses in every state across the country. Eliminating the credit will wipe out 62,000 American jobs by the end of this year, and almost 200,000 next year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

In a recent EnergySage survey of over 150 solar installers, 92.3% said cutting the tax credit would dramatically harm their businesses, with nearly 6% saying they would exit the industry entirely. 

The uncertainty of these tax credits, combined with high interest rates and tariffs, has already contributed to industry layoffs and bankruptcies. Major players like Mosaic, a solar financing company, and Sunnova Energy, a national residential solar company, have filed for bankruptcy in recent weeks.

Residential solar isn’t dead—but savings will decrease

Solar installations will remain financially viable for many homeowners without the federal tax credit. Equipment costs have decreased significantly, and rising electricity rates support solar's economic case. However, losing the 30% federal tax credit means higher upfront costs and longer payback periods.

EnergySage's latest Marketplace Report shows solar prices hit a record low of $2.50 per watt in the second half of 2024. This represents a dramatic decrease from over $3.80 per watt in 2014, helping offset some of the impact of losing federal incentives.

Still, systems that previously paid for themselves in eight to 10 years with tax credits may now take 15 to 20 years to break even, depending on local electricity rates and available state and local solar incentives.

An 11-kilowatt system—the average quoted on EnergySage—costs around $28,160 before incentives. With the tax credit, that drops to about $20,000, but only if homeowners act before December 31, 2025.

Installation timelines typically run two to four months, and the solar industry expects a significant rush of installations in the second half of 2025. This could lead to longer wait times and scheduling challenges for homeowners who delay their decision.

The elimination of the residential solar tax credit represents a fundamental shift in federal energy policy, ending two decades of bipartisan support for home solar installations. For millions of American homeowners, the next six months represent their last opportunity to access this significant federal incentive.

California solar homeowners just scored a major victory. The state Senate Energy Committee voted 9-4 to amend Assembly Bill 942, striking controversial language that would have voided net metering contracts when solar-equipped homes change hands.

This decision protects more than one million California families who have rooftop solar by honoring their 20-year net metering agreements, according to the California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA). If the original version of AB 942 had passed, those contracts would have been broken. The amendment now ensures these contracts stay in place—even when a home is sold—preserving the financial benefits that made solar an attractive investment in the first place.

“By ensuring that these contracts are honored, the Senate Energy Committee and Chairman Becker reinforced consumer trust, safeguarded clean energy investments, and sent a clear message that California stands by its commitments to climate action and energy innovation,” said CALSSA Executive Director Brad Heavner in a press release.

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A bright spot during challenging times for residential solar

This victory couldn’t have come at a more important time for the residential solar industry. With the 30% federal tax credit ending after December 31, 2025—nearly a decade ahead of schedule—due to President Trump’s megabill, the industry is bracing for tough headwinds.

The only challenge that has even come close was California's transition to NEM 3.0 in April 2023, which saw a similar rush as homeowners scrambled to install solar before the less favorable rates took effect. However, that policy change was concentrated in one state, whereas the federal tax credit elimination will impact the entire country, making this a far more significant threat to the industry's growth.

As the nation's largest residential solar market, California plays a large role in setting industry trends. When the Golden State weakens solar policies, the effects ripple nationwide. That's why this amendment matters beyond California's borders—it shows that consumer protection and clean energy progress can still win, even in tough political times.

"This decision is a tremendous victory for California families and businesses who invested in rooftop solar with the state guarantee that their net metering agreements would remain intact—even if they sell their homes," said Heavner.

Senate committee listens to solar advocates over utility interests

The amendment came after fierce opposition from a coalition of more than 100 environmental, clean energy, and consumer advocacy groups. These organizations argued that breaking existing contracts would destroy consumer trust and undermine California's clean energy goals.

Senate Energy Committee Chair Josh Becker led the effort to remove the anti-solar language, following a detailed legal analysis highlighting the problems with forcing homeowners off their net metering contracts upon sale. The committee voted 9-4 to preserve existing net metering contracts, with senators rejecting the controversial provision that would have terminated these agreements upon property transfer.

The amendment also struck language that would have prevented solar customers from receiving cap-and-trade climate credits. Under California's cap-and-trade program, all utility customers—including those with solar—receive California Climate Credits twice a year on their electric bills as rebates from the state's greenhouse gas reduction efforts. 

The original AB 942 would have specifically excluded solar customers from receiving these credits that other utility customers get, essentially creating an additional financial penalty for choosing clean energy. By removing this provision, the Senate committee ensured that solar homeowners will continue to receive the same climate credits as all other utility customers.

“Senator Becker is respecting past investments while focusing on a future of innovation and energy affordability,” said Heavner. 

What this means for California solar homeowners

Under the original proposal, homeowners selling solar-equipped properties would have lost their favorable net metering rates, potentially increasing electricity bills by about $63 per month for new buyers, according to reporting from PV Magazine. This would have created a significant obstacle in real estate transactions and reduced property values.

Now, homeowners can sell their properties knowing that buyers will inherit the same net metering benefits, preserving both the financial value of their solar investment and their home's resale appeal. This protection extends to systems installed under California’s former net energy metering programs—NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0—which offer significantly better compensation rates than the current NEM 3.0 program.

The amendment represents a huge win for consumer protection at a time when policy uncertainty already threatens the residential solar market. By maintaining contract integrity, California reinforces trust between homeowners and the state's clean energy commitments.

The clock is ticking on one of the biggest solar incentives in American history. Homeowners have until January 1, 2026 to claim the 30% federal tax credit—a benefit that can shave thousands of dollars off your solar investment.

The average solar panel system costs around $28,000, or about $2.50 per watt, according to EnergySage's latest Marketplace Report. With the tax credit, that drops to approximately $19,400—a savings of roughly $9,000. But the “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by President Trump on July 4, eliminated the tax credit years ahead of schedule.

Losing this credit could mean the difference between breaking even on your solar investment in seven years versus 11 years. In states without local solar incentives—like Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Arkansas—missing the tax credit could push your payback period to 15-21 years total.

Here's what you need to know to claim this credit before it's gone for good.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.

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What do I need to do right now if I want to claim the solar tax credit?

The short answer: Get quotes now.

The tax credit requires your solar panel system to be generating electricity by December 31, 2025. Most installers say the process of going solar takes 60 to 90 days between design work, permitting, installation, and final connections and inspections. And that's assuming no hiccups along the way.

"It took us about 60 days to go from contract to install, but then we had also done probably 30 to 45 days of research prior," said Lauren Bash, a Los Angeles homeowner, climate activist, and digital creator who recently went solar. "It's definitely not a ‘Wait till the last minute on December 31st to find your installer.’ I feel even a four or five-month leeway is probably the best."

Here's what the typical timeline looks like:

• Research and quotes: 1-2 months

• Contract to installation: 2-3 months

• Utility interconnection: 2-4 weeks (can vary significantly)

With installer capacity filling up fast due to the deadline rush, starting the process now gives you the best chance of completing your system in time to claim the credit.

What does my solar panel system need to qualify for the tax credit this year?

This is where things get a bit murky. The new law states that systems must have "expenditures made" by December 31, 2025, which is different from the previous "placed in service" language.

A tax attorney EnergySage spoke with believes that, at minimum, your system needs to be installed by the deadline. While interconnection and full payment are likely not necessary, others could interpret the language differently.

The safest approach is to have your system up and running by December 31, 2025. But, if you can’t achieve full interconnection due to utility delays, there’s still a good chance you’ll be able to claim the credit as long as your installation is complete.

You typically don't need any specific documentation to claim the credit. But be sure to keep your receipts, installation, and interconnection records—just in case the IRS were ever to audit you.

Also, the tax credit will only apply to systems you purchase with cash or a loan. It applies whether an installer completes your system or you install it yourself.

How do tax credits work if I don't owe taxes? Is there an income limit or cap?

The federal solar tax credit is exactly as it sounds—a credit against your tax bill, not a refund. If you don't have any tax liability for the year, you can't claim the credit. However, there are no income limits or a cap on the credit amount.

While the IRS doesn't specify an end date for credit rollovers, there's a possibility that Tax Form 5695 may no longer exist after 2025. However, the tax expert EnergySage spoke with believes that's unlikely, and said you'd still be able to roll over unused credits indefinitely based on current law—it would just be more complicated.

So, for example, if you owe $5,000 in taxes and your solar panel system qualifies for a $9,000 credit, you should still be able to roll over the remaining $4,000 to future tax years. But we recommend speaking with your own tax attorney to discuss your unique situation.

What costs are covered by the tax credit, and what aren't?

The 30% federal tax credit covers:

• Solar panels and equipment

• Installation labor

• Permitting fees

• Electrical work necessary for the system

It doesn’t cover:

• Roof replacement or repairs (even if needed for the solar installation)

• Loan origination fees or other financing costs

• Maintenance or service plans

• Cosmetic improvements to your property

What happens if my solar installer goes out of business?

This is becoming an increasingly valid concern as the solar industry faces economic headwinds. However, there are several ways to protect yourself:

• Choose an established installer: "Something that Sam, my Energy Adviser at EnergySage, had recommended that was super helpful was to look at how long they've been in business," said Lauren Bash. "We ended up going with an organization that's been around for 40 years, before solar was hot like it is now."

• Consider third-party protection: Services like Solar Insure can protect your system investment even if your installer goes out of business.

• Operations and maintenance opportunities: In EnergySage's recent contractor survey, multiple installers indicated they would expand into operations and maintenance services if the tax credit were cut. This could help ensure ongoing service availability.

• Equipment warranties remain intact: Installer bankruptcies don't affect your solar panels and equipment warranties through manufacturers. Solar panels typically last 25-30 years, so equipment reliability isn't usually the issue.

The key is doing your research upfront and working with installers with strong track records and financial stability.

Should I finance my solar panel system?

Solar loans can make going solar accessible without requiring tens of thousands of dollars upfront. The good news is that loan payments are often lower than your previous electricity bills.

"It is almost always lower," said Ravi Mikkelsen, CEO of Atmos Financial, a national solar loan provider, when comparing solar loan payments to utility bills. "Sometimes, if they get a very short duration loan because they want to pay it off quickly, then it can be higher than the monthly bill, but then their return on their investment is higher as well."

While Atmos offers seven to 20-year solar loans, Mikkelsen noted that more than 90% of customers pay them off in less than six years.

What to look for in solar financing:

• Credit unions or community banks often mean lower rates and fees

• Avoid loans with hidden fees or prepayment penalties

• Make sure everything is explained properly upfront

• Understand who's actually providing the financing

There's much less urgency if you're considering a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) instead of buying. These third-party-owned systems can still claim tax credits for systems that begin construction before July 2026 or are placed in service before 2028, but those tax credits will be available for the company that owns the system, not to the homeowner leasing the panels. You'll see much lower lifetime savings with leasing options compared to owning your system.

How does the tax credit work with different financing options?

• Cash purchases: You can claim the full 30% credit in the tax year your system is installed. Based on EnergySage's conversation with a tax expert, it likely doesn't need to be fully paid for—though, again, it's possible that others could interpret that differently.

• Solar loans: We believe you can still claim the full credit even if you finance your system, and your loan doesn’t have to be fully paid off by the end of the year, according to our research. When financing with a loan, the credit has historically been based on the total system cost, not how much you've paid.

• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): Like Lauren Bash, many homeowners use HELOCs to finance solar installations. "We were able to pay solar in full, essentially, but finance it through the HELOC," she explained.

• Leases and PPAs: The tax credit goes to the company that owns the system, not to you directly. However, these financing options will remain available after 2025 since the commercial tax credit has a longer phase-out timeline.

Are batteries included in the 30% tax credit?

Yes, batteries installed with your solar panel system in 2025 qualify for the full 30% tax credit.

Batteries make sense if you don't have favorable net metering rates, frequently experience power outages, or have access to programs like virtual power plants that can pay you for stored energy.

The timing is especially relevant given grid stability concerns. As a result of this bill, the grid is expected to become significantly less stable. A July 2025 report published by the Department of Energy predicts 100 times more power outages by 2030 compared to today. 

Similar to solar panels, batteries must be installed by January 1, 2026 to claim the 30% federal tax credit. Given grid stability concerns and the limited time window, installing a battery now alongside your solar panel system makes more financial sense than waiting.

However, if you plan to lease or enter a power purchase agreement for future battery storage, those systems will continue to qualify for tax credits until 2036—100% of current value through 2033, 75% in 2034, and 50% in 2035—though the credit won't go directly to you.

If you’re worried about the longevity of your battery system, don’t stress: They typically last 10-15 years, though this varies by manufacturer and usage patterns. Check the warranty terms to understand your specific system's expected lifespan.

Is going solar still worth it after the tax credit ends?

Acting now could save you around $9,000 on your solar investment. For many homeowners, this represents four extra years of free electricity: Losing the 30% federal credit means systems that previously paid for themselves in 8-10 years may now take 15-20 years to break even.

But, even without the federal tax credit, solar will remain a smart investment for many homeowners. Solar costs have dropped dramatically—EnergySage data shows prices hit a record low of $2.50 per watt in late 2024, down from over $3.80 per watt in 2014. And analysts predict household electricity costs will increase by $83 to $152 per year as utilities build new capacity to meet surging demand from AI data centers. This makes solar's stable, predictable energy costs increasingly valuable.

"These are value-based decisions that we're making, and I think that's probably why a lot of people go solar, too,” said Lauren Bash. “There is some mission or value that's associated with this decision. And I think it's the long-term move, the long-term play."

The key is not letting the deadline pressure you into a decision you're not comfortable with. Do your research, get multiple quotes, and work with established installers who can realistically meet the timeline. With installer capacity filling up fast, the sooner you begin the process, the better your chances of claiming this significant tax credit before it disappears—possibly forever.

More summer storms, more American homes without power. As utilities across the country struggle to maintain aging infrastructure against increasingly severe weather, homeowners are turning to battery storage as a reliable backup plan. That’s where EcoFlow, best known for portable camping batteries, comes into play. The company just debuted the new Ocean Pro—a whole-house battery system that claims to outperform Tesla's popular Powerwall 3.

Beyond its impressive specs, does EcoFlow's first permanent home battery actually deliver better storm protection than the market leader? And is a portable battery company really ready to power your house? Let’s dive into the pros and cons and take a look at why the Ocean Pro could give Tesla a run for its money.

What makes Ocean Pro different from other home batteries

Most home batteries, including Tesla's Powerwall, work like giant phone power banks—they store energy from your solar panels or the grid, then release it when you need backup power. The Ocean Pro takes this concept one step further by automatically pulling energy from multiple sources: solar panels, the electrical grid, portable generators, and even gas-powered standby generators.

This multi-source approach could prove to be crucial during extended outages. When Hurricane Ida knocked out power to Louisiana for over a week in 2021, for example, some homeowners with solar-only battery systems found themselves in trouble once their batteries drained and cloudy skies prevented recharging. The Ocean Pro's ability to integrate with gas generators means you could theoretically maintain power indefinitely during such events—provided you have enough fuel.

The Ocean Pro system also promises smarter energy management through AI-powered forecasting that predicts weather patterns, electricity pricing, and your home's energy usage to optimize when to charge and discharge the battery. In states with time-of-use electricity rates, this could mean significant savings by charging during cheap overnight hours and powering your home during expensive peak periods.

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Tesla Powerwall 3 vs. EcoFlow Ocean Pro: The real differences

Tesla's Powerwall 3 has dominated the home battery market, but EcoFlow's Ocean Pro beats it in several key areas—while falling short in others.

• Power output: This is where Ocean Pro really shines. It can deliver 24,000 watts of continuous power compared to Tesla's 11,500 watts. In practical terms, this means the Ocean Pro can simultaneously run two central air conditioning units, your refrigerator, lights, and other essentials during an outage—something the Powerwall 3 can't handle. Tesla's system might force you to choose between AC and other appliances.

• Solar capacity: The Ocean Pro can handle 40,000 watts of solar input versus Tesla's 20,000 watts. For homeowners with particularly large rooftop solar installations, this means faster battery charging and better utilization of their solar investment. However, most homeowners won’t need this much solar power—it’s more useful for small businesses.

• Expandability: Tesla's approach requires multiple separate Powerwall units, each with its own inverter, to scale up storage. The Ocean Pro uses a single inverter that can manage up to 80 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage (versus Tesla's 54 kWh). This could mean lower installation costs and less complexity for larger systems. But again, most homeowners won’t need battery systems this large.

• Durability: EcoFlow claims superior weather resistance, with the ability to operate in temperatures up to 140°F (vs. Tesla's 122°F limit) and survive 2.6 feet of flooding compared to Tesla's 2-foot rating. The 15-year warranty also beats Tesla's 10-year coverage.

• Solar optimization: The Ocean Pro includes 8 MPPT trackers (vs. Tesla's 6), which help maximize energy capture from solar panels—even if some are shaded or facing different directions. More trackers mean more efficient and flexible solar performance, especially for complex rooftops. But, the Powerwall can also be paired with other types of inverters, like Enphase microinverters, which work even better for extremely complex roofs—the Ocean Pro must be used with its hybrid inverter.  

However, Tesla does maintain significant advantages. The Powerwall 3 is a proven technology with tens of thousands of installations worldwide, while Ocean Pro is essentially untested in the U.S. market. Tesla's ecosystem integration with its solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) is also more mature, and its service network is more established.

The resiliency question: Can you actually count on it?

Home battery storage is ultimately about one thing: keeping your family safe and comfortable when the grid fails. Here's where EcoFlow's track record becomes both a strength and a concern.

On the plus side, EcoFlow dominates the portable power station market globally, with over five million users across 140 countries. Its expertise in battery management and power electronics is proven, even if it's mainly been for smaller-scale applications so far. The Ocean Pro also builds on its European PowerOcean system, which it says has over 17,000 installations—though European electrical standards and weather patterns differ significantly from the U.S.

EcoFlow’s multi-source backup capability is genuinely innovative for storm resilience. During extended outages, the ability to supplement battery power with a gas generator while maintaining automatic switching and smart load management could be game-changing. Traditional generators are trickier because they require manual operation and can't seamlessly integrate with your home's electrical system.

But, there are legitimate concerns about betting on a first-generation product for critical backup power—and for good reason. Tesla's Powerwall has been refined through multiple generations and proven in real-world disasters, whereas EcoFlow's home battery technology is largely untested in American homes, electrical systems, and weather conditions.

The company's installer network is also much smaller—around 100 partners compared to Tesla's thousands. This matters because during a weather emergency, having local support can be crucial.

Smart features and realistic expectations

EcoFlow promises impressive smart capabilities, including AI-powered energy optimization and integration with popular smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Nest, and Alexa. The company claims homeowners can save up to 118% on electricity bills through intelligent energy management.

That 118% figure deserves scrutiny, though. It likely assumes optimal conditions: significant solar generation, high time-of-use rate differences, and participation in utility programs that pay homeowners to discharge batteries during peak demand. Most homeowners should expect more modest savings.

The AI forecasting features sound promising, but so far remain largely unproven. Weather prediction for energy optimization is notoriously difficult, and similar promises from other companies have failed to deliver meaningful results in the past.

The Ocean Pro’s basic smart features—remote monitoring, automatic backup switching (10 milliseconds vs. 30 seconds for most generators), and the ability to prioritize critical loads during outages—are more practically useful.

Should you wait for the market to mature?

The Ocean Pro enters a rapidly evolving home battery market. While EcoFlow is impressive on paper, the company could face significant challenges in scaling from portable power stations to permanent home installations.

For homeowners prioritizing maximum power output and solar capacity, the Ocean Pro offers genuine advantages over Tesla's Powerwall 3. The multi-source backup capability could also provide superior resilience during extended outages.

“OCEAN Pro isn’t just backup power, it’s complete energy independence made simple,” said Jenny Zhang, President of North America Residential Energy Business at EcoFlow in the company’s press release. “We’re excited to bring a powerful solution like OCEAN Pro to the U.S. market and give families a smarter, stronger and more reliable energy system built for the challenges they face today.”

However, buyers should weigh these benefits against the risks of adopting first-generation technology for backup power. Tesla's Powerwall, despite its limitations, has a proven track record and established service network.

Pre-orders for the Ocean Pro opened July 15 through EcoFlow's authorized installer network. Given the relative newness of the product and company to the home battery market, potential buyers might want to consider waiting for real-world performance data and independent testing results before making a decision.

Competition is ultimately good news for energy-conscious homeowners in a market dominated by Tesla. Whether EcoFlow can successfully transition from portable power stations to critical home infrastructure is yet to be seen.

The Fourth of July fireworks weren't just celebrating America's independence this year—they were also marking the beginning of the end for some of the most valuable home improvement tax credits in recent memory. President Trump signed HR1 (formerly known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") into law on July 4, 2025, setting in motion a series of unfavorable changes that will significantly impact homeowners considering energy-efficient upgrades.

The legislation accelerates the termination of several consumer tax credits that were originally scheduled to last as long as another decade. For homeowners, this creates a compressed timeline to take advantage of substantial savings while making updates to their properties, transforming 2025 from a year of planning to a year of clean energy action.

For millions of American homeowners, the next few months represent their last opportunity to access these significant federal incentives. The window is rapidly closing—and once they’re gone, they could be gone for good.

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Your home's hidden potential—and the financial savings you'll miss

The average American home has room for improvement when it comes to energy efficiency. From leaky windows that let conditioned air escape to aging HVAC systems that work overtime to maintain comfortable temperatures, most homes have real opportunities for improvement. Until now, federal tax credits have helped offset the cost of these upgrades, making them more accessible to lower-and middle-class homeowners looking to lower the cost of their utility bills.

The new bill ends the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) after this year instead of 2032. It currently provides up to $3,200 annually for qualifying home improvements. 

Here's how much you stand to lose if you don't act this year:

Heat pump systems: Up to $2,000 in credits are ending

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit provides a 30% tax credit for eligible heat pumps, capped at $2,000. Heat pumps represent one of the most effective home electrification upgrades, providing both heating and cooling while using substantially less energy than traditional systems such as a gas furnace.

Heat pumps that meet or exceed the Consortium for Energy Efficiency's (CEE) highest efficiency tier qualify for a credit up to $2,000 per year. For the typical installation costing around $15,000 to $30,000, this credit can reduce your out-of-pocket costs by thousands of dollars.

Modern heat pumps work efficiently even in cold climates, and homeowners with oil heating can often save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on energy bills by upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems. Without the tax credit, these systems become less affordable for American families.