Think solar panels only add a modest bump to your home's value? Think again. 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 $30,505 before incentives, homeowners may be able to recover the full cost of the system through property value increases alone—before you even factor in years of electricity savings.

Key takeaways

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 2025 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 $30,500 before incentives. The average U.S. home value as of May 2026 is $403,200. So, if your home's value increases by just 5% due to solar, it would cover over $20,000 of your systems cost through increased property value alone—before counting decades of electricity savings or available incentives.

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 can make 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 ended in 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 and may pass those savings to homeowners, but you wouldn'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.

Installation is also relatively painless. While kitchen or bathroom renovations can take months and disrupt daily life throughout, a typical solar installation is complete in one to two days.

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 hover at about $2.58 per watt as of June 2026, down from over $3.80 per watt in 2014.

At the same time, household electricity costs are expected to increase immensely 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.

"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 financial incentives with an EV. Even though the federal tax credit was phased out, Bowen said 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 with a level 2 charger.

"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.

Solar upgrades for your home are always a bright idea, especially once warmer weather arrives and the days become a little longer. Outdoor solar lights can be a low-lift, high-impact addition to your yard, garden, or patio since they’re powered by solar energy, and can illuminate your space (sustainably!) from dusk to dawn.

From backyard string lights to motion-sensor flood lights, there are options on the market for every outdoor area that are energy-efficient, easy to install, and eco-friendly. 

One of the main benefits of solar lights is that they don’t require electricity or wiring to operate, and are charged by absorbing sunlight throughout the day. That solar energy is captured by the light’s solar panel and stored in its rechargeable battery, which allows the light to operate through the night. Since they don’t need to be tied to the grid, solar lights can save you money over time on your monthly electric bills. They also tend to last longer and use less energy than incandescent lights, eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements—a low-maintenance win.

We’ve compiled a list of the best solar lights based on product reviews, ratings, features, and each light’s solar specifications. We’ll also walk through what to keep in mind during the buying process. Here’s how you can add some sunlight-powered ambiance to your yard with our top solar light recommendations.

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What to consider when buying solar lights

The first step when buying solar lights is deciding what type of lighting will work for your setup. Ask yourself: What’s my budget? How much brightness do I need? What purpose will the lights serve? What are the sunniest spots in my yard? 

From there, you can decide on a solar light design that’s just the right mix of form and function: string lights, spotlights, lanterns, pathway lights, and fence lights are just a few of the many different types of solar lights available.

One key factor you’ll want to think about is placement. Direct sunlight is ideal for solar lights to get a fast, full charge. While they can still charge on cloudy days, shading or poor weather conditions will impact charging time and battery life. For maximum sun exposure, stick to the sunny spots in your yard, and orient each light’s solar panel to be south facing when you can. 

You may also want to look for app-controlled solar lights with adjustable settings, which will allow you to control the lights’ brightness and runtime based on weather, energy consumption levels, and your preferred schedule.

The best solar lights for your garden

Energizer Solar LED Pathway Lights - $80

These Solar LED Pathway Lights from Energizer come highly recommended from one of our Product Managers here at EnergySage. Their 30-lumen LED chip emits a warm, white glow, ideal for lighting up a walkway or garden bed. They offer up to eight hours of runtime off a single charge, and are coated in durable die-cast aluminum and stainless steel to withstand the elements.

Litom Wireless Outdoor Solar Landscaping Lights - $22

LITOM’s Solar Landscape Lights are quite bright at 600 lumens, meaning they’ll have no trouble illuminating even the darkest corners of your property. They feature 12 LEDs per light and two lighting modes: low light and high light mode, along with an energy storage mode, and will automatically switch between them when they detect changes in brightness. They’re also equipped with a motion detection feature for homeowners who are looking for a little extra security. These lights will shine for six to 12 hours, depending on the charge and setting.

The best solar lights for your lawn

NYMPHY Outdoor Solar Lights - $40

Another EnergySage staffer gave this 4-pack of NYMPHY Solar Lights his stamp of approval, stating that they “amazingly worked through the coldest days of the winter.” More than 14,000 Amazon shoppers agree: they’ve earned a 4.4-star rating, with multiple reviewers praising their durability, longevity, and ease of installation. They feature three brightness settings, an IP68 waterproof rating, and 56 LEDs per light.

Hampton Bay Clermont Solar Pathway - $35

HGTV named the Hampton Bay Clermont its best overall solar pathway light in 2026, and it's easy to see why. The metal and glass construction puts it in a different league from plastic stake lights, and the tall profile casts a glow on the surrounding area rather than just the ground directly below—a subtle difference that makes your lawn look genuinely polished. Assembly takes minutes, and the automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor handles the rest. If you want lawn lighting that looks professionally installed, this is the pick.

The best solar string lights

Artika Blaze 20 LED Bulb Outdoor Solar String Lights - $38

The Artika Blaze solar lights have gone viral time and time again as a Costco fan favorite—so much so they're nearly always sold out—but they’re also available at Walmart. They come as a 42-foot strand with 20 bulbs per string, and offer four different lighting modes to suit your mood. Also included is a 10-foot extension cord and multiple mounting options (screws, mount clamp, and ground stake). When sunlight is limited during the winter months or at night, you can conveniently recharge them via USB-C cable.

Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights - $22

Brightech's heavy-duty solar LED string lights have a durable rubberized cord and various bulb designs. Each strand measures 27 feet and includes shatterproof LED bulbs that emit either a soft or warm white glow. Built to withstand outdoor conditions—including heat up to 122°F—they'll transform your backyard for years to come.

The best solar motion-sensor lights

Aootek Solar Motion Sensor Lights - $18

This four-pack of motion-activated, solar-powered LED lights are an Amazon No. 1 bestseller in their category, accumulating close to 50,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. They feature built-in motion sensors that use passive infrared technology to activate all 128 bright LEDs when movement is detected up to 36 feet away across a 120° field. Users can choose from three lighting modes: motion-activated, always-on, and a smart brightness mode that adjusts based on activity. They’re also designed to be heatproof and waterproof with an IP65 rating. 

Tuffenough Solar Security Lights - $38

The Tuffenough is one of the top-rated solar security lights available in 2026, and it earns that reputation. Each light packs 210 LED beads delivering up to 2,500 lumens—bright enough to light a large driveway or backyard—and comes with three independently adjustable heads so you can aim coverage exactly where you need it. The included wireless remote lets you switch between strong sensor mode, dim sensor mode, and always-on mode. IP65 waterproofing means it handles rain, snow, and heat without issue, and no wiring is required at all.

Mother’s Day is all about showing the moms in your life that you care about them—through gift-giving, of course. Every mom has her own unique personality, so we’ve selected gifts to match your mom’s special style. Whether you want to get your mom a fun, playful gift that meets her interests or something more functional to look out for her, we’ve got you covered. 

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1. For the comfy-cozy mom

Made for cozy nights and a cleaner planet, Pact’s pajamas are a feel-good gift in every sense. Crafted from soft, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton in Fair Trade factories, these pajamas are as ethical as they are comfortable. 

By choosing organic cotton, Pact reduces water use by up to 81% and energy use by 62% compared to other fabrics, while avoiding harsh chemicals for a truly non-toxic sleep

2. For the plant-loving mom

A gift that quite literally keeps growing, a house plant from Hey Rooted is an easy way to bring a little more life into your mom’s space. The brand is all about making plant parenthood simple and accessible, shipping greenery straight from their greenhouse so it arrives healthy and ready to thrive. It’s a thoughtful, low-waste gift that brightens a room—and lasts a lot longer than a bouquet.

3. For the sustainably stylish mom

For the mom who loves a one-of-a-kind find, The Drift Collective’s upcycled collection turns old materials into something completely new. Each item is reworked from secondhand or scrap fabrics—cut, sewn, dyed, and redesigned in-house—so no two are exactly alike. It’s a more thoughtful way to shop for fashion, giving new life to existing clothes and keeping perfectly good materials out of landfills.

4. For the porch-sitting mom

What’s the point of having a porch if you don’t sit on it to read a book, drink coffee, or snoop on the neighbors? If your mom loves to do any of these things, she’ll need some outdoor lighting for when the sun sets.  These solar string lights from Brightown will keep her space well-lit and her electric bill down.

5. For the mom who needs a little extra light at night

We always want what’s best for our parents, but as they age, their vision gets a little worse, making it dangerous to walk to the front door in the dark. Installing a few solar-powered walkway lights along the path leading up to their front door will keep it illuminated. With these lights from GIGALUMI, you won’t have to worry about mom tripping on the edge of the concrete because she can’t see where she’s stepping. Plus, they add some extra character to a boring, plain yard.

6. For the mom who’s always on her phone

If your mom constantly forgets to charge her phone, it’s also very likely she’ll forget to charge any portable charger you buy her, making it functionally useless. With this solar charger power bank, she won’t have to worry about “charging” it ahead of time: It’ll stay charged as long as it’s in the sun. When her phone dies, she’ll simply plug it in— and then give you a call to thank you for the wonderful gift. 

7. For the mom who values peace of mind at home

When your mom lives alone, it can be worrisome for you and her. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and install a security camera outside her home. This one by SEHMUA is solar-powered, so she won’t have to worry about it ever dying on her. It has a 360-degree live view, 2k color, and night vision. There’s even motion detection so if anyone comes sneaking around her yard at night, she can turn the spotlight on them, send a voice message, and sound a siren.

You can never be too safe—buying this camera will give you and your mother peace of mind.

8. For the mom who’s always prepared

Power outages are annoying and scary, which is why more and more homeowners are installing home battery systems to keep the lights on. Unfortunately, these systems cost more than the average Mother’s Day gift. But if you’re willing to splurge a little this Mother’s Day, BLUETTI’s solar generator will keep some of her critical devices running during an outage or an emergency.

9. For the sentimental mom

For something more personal, a DIY scrapbook made from photos of you and your mom is hard to beat. Use old magazines, scrap paper, ticket stubs, or anything else you’d normally toss to piece it together—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s a low-waste, highly sentimental gift that turns everyday materials into something she’ll actually keep forever.

10. For the mom with a sweet tooth

Tony’s Chocolonely is a solid pick for the eco-conscious mom with a sweet tooth. The brand was built to clean up the cocoa industry, paying farmers more fairly, using fully traceable beans, and pushing for deforestation-free sourcing so chocolate production isn’t tied to environmental destruction or exploitation. 

For Mother’s Day, they also offer custom wrappers so you can personalize a bar and turn a classic chocolate gift into something a little more thoughtful and gift-ready.

Gas prices are climbing again, and for many drivers, that means watching the numbers tick up at the pump and mentally recalculating their budget in real time. Gas isn’t optional for most people—it’s a recurring and unavoidable expense, and one that moves at the mercy of the market.

Over the past two months, that pressure has only intensified amid the geopolitical conflict in Iran. Gas is 30% more expensive than it was this time last year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA)—a stat most people won’t find surprising after feeling it at the pump for weeks. But that reality isn’t universal. Electric vehicle (EV) drivers who charge at home are mostly shielded from these spikes, and not by a small margin.

EV drivers are paying less than half as much per year to fuel their cars as gas drivers, based on current market averages. And as gas prices spike, more drivers are acting on those savings. Qmerit, EnergySage’s sister company, has seen a sharp increase in demand for EV charger installations following the start of the war—evidence that more households are looking to lock in lower, more predictable fueling costs at home.

But arguably, the greater benefit of driving electric is the level of energy independence that gas simply doesn’t offer. Gas locks you into a single price you have no control over, set by global markets you don’t interact with. EV charging, by contrast, opens up options—when you charge, how you charge, and what you pair it with. That shift turns energy costs from something you react to into something you can actually manage independently in your home.

Driving electric will save you about $800 in 2026

The national average price for gasoline reached $4.11 per gallon on April 15, 2026, up from $3.17 on the same date in 2025, according to AAA. That’s roughly a 30% increase in just one year, a sharp jump that shows up immediately in weekly budgets and commuting costs.

What it costs to charge an EV at home vs. filling a gas tank

Fueling a gas car costs about $1,432 per year at current gas prices, while charging an EV at home costs roughly $641—nearly $800 less, or 55% cheaper annually. That kind of price gap isn’t just theoretical; it’s already influencing behavior. Demand for EV charger installations on Qmerit surged 37% in 23 days following the start of the war, as more households sought to lock in lower fueling costs.

*Based on AAA gas prices as of April 15, 2026. Gas cars based on MPG listed on fueleconomy.gov.
**Assumes 12,200 annual miles.

While fueling an EV at home with electricity from the grid costs a fraction of what you’d pay at the gas station, retail electricity prices are rising too: The average cost per kilowatt-hour was about 10% higher in January 2026 than in January 2025—and that doesn’t even capture the geopolitical volatility that’s hit global energy markets since conflict escalated in Iran earlier this year.

That said, gas prices can spike overnight, and when they do, you feel it immediately the next time you fill up. Electricity prices, while still influenced by volatile global energy markets, tend to change more gradually in many areas because they are often approved by public utility commissions (PUCs)—a process that takes time. In other words, electricity prices have been consistently rising, but they don’t typically swing as suddenly or unpredictably as gas prices do.

But price alone isn’t the only advantage EV drivers have. Most charging happens at home, which gives drivers more control over costs: You can charge overnight when rates are lower, enroll in utility programs, or pair your EV charger with a home solar panel system.

Homeowners who charge with solar can offset a large share of their driving energy with self-generated electricity, especially during peak production hours. Over time, that can significantly reduce the effective cost of driving and, in some cases, bring fueling costs close to zero depending on system size, location, and driving patterns.

That’s the real difference. EV drivers aren’t just switching from gas to electricity—they’re moving from a single, fixed price at the pump to a system with options that can be optimized over time.

Bidirectional EV charging turns cars into home energy assets

That flexibility becomes even more relevant as energy costs continue to fluctuate. Like gas prices, electricity rates are volatile and dependent on foreign markets. Homeowners are starting to respond to these uncertainties by building resilience into how they use and store energy. On EnergySage, demand for solar-plus-storage systems surged 21% in 23 days amid geopolitical tensions, pointing to a clear shift toward household energy independence.

Bidirectional EV charging fits directly into that shift. Instead of only drawing power from the grid, some EVs can also supply power back to a home when needed. That turns the vehicle into a backup energy source that can help run essential appliances during outages, offset peak electricity prices, or extend solar power into the evening hours.

In practical terms, it means a fully charged EV can function like a large home battery, often capable of powering key household loads for multiple days depending on the vehicle and usage.

EV drivers have more control over fuel costs

Gas prices will always fluctuate, and electricity rates aren’t immune to change either. The key difference is control. EV drivers already benefit from significantly lower fueling costs, and technologies like home charging, solar, and bidirectional power are giving them more ways to manage—and even produce—their own energy. 

For gas car drivers, price spikes are unavoidable. For EV owners, they’re increasingly irrelevant.

Americans aren’t just going solar; they’re hedging against geopolitical and utility uncertainty.

According to new EnergySage data, quote requests for solar paired with battery storage jumped 21% in just 23 days, a sharp reversal after demand cooled earlier this year when federal tax credits expired. 

That kind of spike doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a response to a growing sense that the energy system—both in the U.S. and globally—is becoming less predictable. Between geopolitical tensions (namely with Iran), rising electricity demand, grid reliability concerns, and more frequent extreme weather events, homeowners are increasingly seeing solar-plus-storage—residential energy systems that pair solar panels with battery energy storage—as less of a “nice-to-have” upgrade and more of a practical way to control their energy costs and keep the lights on. 

For a growing number of homeowners, waiting to enhance their energy independence is starting to feel like the bigger risk. Americans aren’t just window-shopping for solar anymore—they’re acting on it, and quickly.

Key takeaways

Looming energy crisis sparks demand jump for solar and storage

Demand for solar-plus-storage systems increased 21% in March 2026 on EnergySage—a meaningful jump in just a few weeks. What stands out even more is the timing: Interest had softened earlier this year after federal tax credits expired at the end of 2025.

So what changed?

Part of the answer lies in rising geopolitical tension—particularly the escalating conflict involving Iran. A key flashpoint is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Following recent U.S. strikes, Iran moved to restrict passage through the strait, tightening global supply and pushing oil and gas prices higher almost immediately.

That kind of volatility shows up in utility bills, fuel costs, and broader economic uncertainty. Fossil fuels, which still power most homes, are tied to global supply chains and geopolitical dynamics. When those systems get disrupted, prices follow. And homeowners are paying closer attention to the risks baked into the current energy system.

Installing solar alone can lower electricity bills, but adding a battery is what protects homeowners when the grid fails. Solar-plus-storage systems insulate homeowners from the volatility of geopolitically dependent fossil fuels. Instead of being fully exposed to market swings through utility bills, they can generate and store their own electricity, cutting reliance on the grid and bringing more predictability to an otherwise volatile energy system.

The conflict in Iran isn’t the only thing driving people to go solar

Geopolitics might be the spark, but it’s not the whole story. Several longer-term trends are pushing homeowners in the same direction.

Extreme weather events

Between wildfires, hurricanes, and winter storms, outages are becoming more common and more disruptive. These events not only threaten power reliability but also drive up electricity prices as utility companies scramble to reinforce damaged infrastructure and meet demand. While solar panels can reduce your bill, they won’t power your home during an outage without a battery.

Utility rate hikes  

Electricity demand is rising rapidly, and a major driver is the explosion of data centers and AI infrastructure. These facilities require massive, always-on power, and that surge in demand is putting new strain on the grid—while also pushing electricity prices higher. As utilities invest to keep up and manage tighter supply, those costs are increasingly being passed on to customers through higher rates.

Aging grid infrastructure

Much of the U.S. grid was built decades ago and wasn’t designed for today’s electricity demand levels. As homes, businesses, and new technologies draw more power, utilities face mounting pressure to upgrade aging equipment. That strain can drive higher rates as maintenance and expansion costs are passed on to customers—and can also increase the risk of outages. For homeowners, this makes solar paired with battery storage more appealing, offering both cost protection and reliable power when the grid is stretched.

Solar-plus-storage is a form of energy independence

All of this is changing how people think about energy. Solar used to be mostly about savings. Now, when you pair it with a battery, it becomes a way to take control. You can store excess power, use it when electricity is most expensive, and keep your home running when the grid goes down.

More homeowners are realizing that solar-plus-storage isn’t just a clean energy upgrade—it’s a hedge, a backup plan, and a long-term play for stability in a system that’s starting to feel anything but stable.

For years, going solar meant owning a home, hiring an installer, and committing to a system that costs tens of thousands of dollars. If you rented or didn't have the right roof, you were largely out of luck.

That's starting to change with the rise of plug-in solar.

The emerging category of small, portable solar systems—typically called plug-in solar, balcony solar, or plug-and-play solar—lets anyone with a sunny balcony, patio, or yard generate their own electricity. All you have to do is plug in a panel or two directly into a standard wall outlet. No installer. No permits. No roof required.

The concept has been popular in Europe for years and is finally gaining traction in the U.S. Utah legalized it in 2025; Maine followed in April 2026; both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly have passed it (just waiting on the governor’s signature); and roughly 30 other states have introduced similar bills as of April 2026. 

So… is plug-in solar worth it? The answer depends entirely on your situation. Here's what you need to know.

Key takeaways

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What is plug-in solar, and how does it work?

Picture an extension cord connected to the sun. That's essentially what a plug-in solar panel system is.

The setup is straightforward: One to three lightweight solar panels attach to a balcony railing, patio fence, or ground mount. Each panel connects to a small microinverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the panels into the alternating current (AC) that your home uses. A cord runs from this setup to a standard 120V outdoor outlet. Once it's plugged in, the solar electricity flows directly into your home's circuit—immediately reducing the amount of power you pull from the grid.

Plug-in systems are sometimes called "balcony solar" because that's where they're typically set up in Europe—Germany alone has roughly four million balcony systems installed. The plug-and-play concept keeps the setup simple without the need for permits or professional installation.

How much can plug-in solar actually save you?

Unlike with rooftop solar, don’t expect to eliminate your electric bills with balcony solar. But, especially as electricity rates continue to rise nationwide, the savings are still meaningful—typically somewhere between $13 and $50 per month.

Balcony solar systems are typically just powerful enough to offset the baseline electricity that your "always-on" appliances consume around the clock. (Think: Your refrigerator, Wi-Fi router, and standby electronics). But it’s not powerful enough to shave significant dollars off your utility bill.

Most plug-in systems on the market fall between 400 and 800 watts (W). Depending on where you live and how much sun your panels receive, an 800 W system might produce somewhere between 70—110 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. According to Enphase, a 1,200-square-foot apartment uses around 600 kWh per month, so if that’s you, your balcony production would offset roughly 12%—18% of your monthly usage.

At the national average electricity rate of roughly $0.18 per kWh, that works out to roughly $131–$20 per month in savings on the low end, and closer to $40–$50 per month in high-rate states like California, New York, or Hawaii, where electricity costs considerably more. Over the course of a year, a well-placed system in a sunny location could offset $150–$600 in electricity costs, depending on your local rate and sun hours.

What does that mean for your payback period?

A basic plug-in solar kit runs $500–$1,500, depending on wattage and whether it includes a battery. So, if your system leads to $300 annual savings, you'd break even in two to five years. Some sellers advertise a two-year payback period—that's achievable if you're in a high-rate state with good sun exposure, but it shouldn't be treated as the typical outcome.

How do savings compare to rooftop solar?

A full rooftop solar installation costs significantly more upfront—around $30,505 on average for a 12 kW system before any incentives—but you’re getting roughly 5-15 times more power. Because of that, a properly sized rooftop system will significantly reduce—or potentially eliminate—your electric bill entirely, not just trim it.

If you own your home, the long-term savings are substantial: Most homeowners who install rooftop solar save between $37,000 and $154,000 on electricity over your 25 year warranty, according to EnergySage Marketplace data. By comparison, a plug-in kit costing $500–$1,500 that saves $300–$600 per year in electricity costs would net you roughly $6,000–$14,500 over 25 years, after subtracting the upfront purchase price. (Though, you’d likely need to replace a plug-in system at least once within those 25 years, which would reduce the savings figure by another $500–$1,500.)

The table below breaks it down in a clearer comparison:

*Net of upfront system cost ($500–$1,500). Does not account for potential replacement costs over 25 years.

Balcony solar panels also don’t feed excess electricity back to the grid (no net metering), and don’t qualify for any state or local financial incentives, so you won’t be gaining any additional savings by going solar this way.

Plug-in solar is best when rooftop solar isn't an option. For renters, condo dwellers, or anyone without roof access, a $1,000 plug-in kit that saves $25 a month is definitely useful, and far better than nothing.

Is plug-in solar legal where you live?

To be clear, plug-in solar isn't explicitly illegal in most places, but in many states it exists in a regulatory gray area. A handful of states have now passed clear enabling legislation, and a wave of others are moving quickly.

The two states with explicit laws

Utah and Maine are the two states that have explicit laws legalizing balcony solar.

Utah became the first state in March 2025. The law creates a separate regulatory category for portable solar generation devices up to 1.2 kW, eliminates the requirement for utility approval before plugging in, and removes the interconnection fees (as long as the device carries a safety certification). Maine became the second state when its governor signed the plug-in solar bill in April 2026.

The states moving fast

As of April 2026, legislators in roughly 28 states and Washington, D.C. have at least introduced bills to permit plug-in solar, according to Canary Media—and some are very close to becoming law.

Passed both chambers:

• Colorado

• Maryland

• Virginia

Passed one chamber:

• Hawaii

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey

• New Hampshire

• Oklahoma

• Vermont

Under consideration:

• Alaska

• California

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Iowa

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• New York

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• South Carolina

Deferred:

• Arizona

• Georgia

• Idaho

• Indiana

• New Mexico

• Oregon

• Washington

• Wyoming

The regulatory gray area

In states without enabling legislation, plug-in solar isn't necessarily banned, but utilities often treat even a single plug-in panel the same as a large rooftop array. That can mean interconnection applications, fees, and waits of weeks or months.

Now, most people who have quietly plugged in small systems in these states haven't faced enforcement action, but know that you’d be operating outside clearly defined rules. While the practical risk is low for small, certified systems, it's worth being honest about the ambiguity.

If you're a renter, check your lease before installing. If you're in an HOA, review your CC&Rs. These agreements can restrict exterior modifications even where state law doesn't.

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If you've ever killed a houseplant and quietly vowed to never try again, Nick Cutsumpas has a message for you: You were probably just trying too hard.

Cutsumpas—who goes by Farmer Nick online—has built a following of hundreds of thousands around a deceptively simple philosophy he calls “mindful neglect.” The idea? Back off a little. Trust the process. Let living things do what they're designed to do.

It turns out, the same logic applies to sustainable living.

"Pick one project and just dive into that," Cutsumpas said. "Do not try to tackle your appliances, solar, heating, all these things at once—because then it's going to feel quite overwhelming."

Coming from someone who has solar panels going up this spring, a greenhouse powered by mini-splits, energy-efficient appliances throughout his home, and a recently-planted orchard, that advice carries some weight. We sat down with Farmer Nick to learn how he went from a corporate salesperson to an environmental influencer, and to get his best advice for living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle without trying too hard.

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How houseplants became the ‘unsustainable’ gateway to sustainability

Cutsumpas didn't grow up with a green thumb. He actually grew up as an athlete and followed the expected path into corporate America, landing at IBM Watson in New York City. He quickly realized life in a cubicle wasn’t for him.

While living rent-free with his parents in White Plains, a nudge from his mom to start a backyard garden as contribution to the home sparked a passion that would later become his career. When Cutsumpas eventually moved to New York City and lost the garden, he did what he now laughs off as "the only rational thing": He bought 120 houseplants for his 600-square-foot apartment. He started sharing the journey on Instagram, gained thousands of followers, and even landed a few Netflix specials.

Cutsumpas is quick to point out a certain irony: houseplants, on their own, aren't sustainable. They don't grow food, they don’t offset your utility bills, and many are shipped from far away. But they’re an entry point.

"If I care about this plant on my desk, I need to care about the big plant we all live on," he said.

For Cutsumpas, that realization turned into a deeper curiosity about energy, appliances, building materials, and what it actually means to live sustainably. He’s seen that progression from his clients, too. People he helped fill their Manhattan apartments with plants later called him from their new suburban yards, ready to plant pollinator gardens or install solar panels.

"Seeing them take that next-level jump was really exciting," he said.

Today, he operates his garden and landscape design business out of a 10-acre homestead in Michigan—a deliberate move from Los Angeles, chosen for its climate resilience, access to fresh water, and fertile land. He’s mid-renovation on what he's determined to make the “greenest home in Michigan.”

Making ‘green’ feel normal, not preachy

One of Nick's deliberate choices as a public figure is in what he doesn't say—specifically, words like “climate” or “sustainability.”

"I've stopped saying a lot of those words when I can,” he explained. “I want to incentivize people to the benefits and not have a trigger word that has oftentimes been politicized in a negative way.”

His reframe is practical and effective. For example, he won’t boast to people about how his EV is better for the planet, but instead focuses on how it’s faster and cheaper to fuel. It's a strategy rooted in meeting people where they are, and it extends to how he talks about clean energy, too. When he discovered solar leasing through EnergySage (more on that in a moment), he didn't post about it as an environmental act. He shared it on his profile as a financial win that he had just learned about. Sharing his experience encouraged others to sign up.

“Just sharing it out there and seeing those things happen is so encouraging because it means people are willing to take that next level,” Cutsumpas said.

How solar leasing restored his renovation plans

Like many homeowners, Nick had been eyeing rooftop solar for a while. But the upfront cost of a solar energy system (typically $30,500 on average) kept it out of reach, especially while he’s managing a major home renovation.

When he heard the federal solar tax credit—a 30% credit that led to roughly $9,000 in savings—was being discontinued for 2026, he scrambled to get panels installed. Unfortunately, so did everyone else, and the rush of demand made moving quickly even harder for his family.

"We had to make decisions really quickly, and with other home renovation projects and health things that we were navigating at the time, we were like, ‘Man, I don't think we can afford solar right now.’ It was a huge bummer."

Fortunately, through EnergySage, Nick discovered something he hadn't known existed: solar leasing.

"I did not realize that leasing solar was an option. Leasing it just like a car—without a down payment."

Through EnergySage's marketplace, Nick received multiple quotes from installers. One particular company stood out for being unusually affordable: It offered a monthly payment of around $125 through a leasing option.

"I'd much rather pay that than $40,000 to put solar on the rooftop right now," he said. “It’s a great alternative for those who may have missed out on the tax credit.”

His installation is scheduled for this spring, and he's already tracking his anticipated usage. The lesson he keeps coming back to: commercial solar companies can still access the federal tax credit and pass those savings along to customers through creative financing structures.

And for all the naysayers who think Nick is crazy for installing solar panels in Michigan, his response is this:

“Yeah, it may be cloudy in the winter months, but I'm going to be saving so much money in the summer. And if I put a battery on there, I'll just bank that electricity and save it for later." Smart guy.

Farmer Nick’s top 3 features for a ‘green home’

When asked what features he'd prioritize in any eco-friendly home, Nick's answers were more accessible than you might expect:

A note for renters and city dwellers

Nick acknowledges that sustainable living looks different when you don't own your home or live in a building. His advice remains the same: start small and don't underestimate what's possible. (Remember, this is the guy who stored over 100 plants in a 600-square-foot apartment.)

Nick said he’s seen solar innovation moving fast in Europe—including balcony-mounted solar panels popular in Germany that allow renters to generate their own power from a small terrace. He's hopeful more of these technologies will make their way to the U.S.—they’re already starting to.

In the meantime, he said to keep it simple: get some plants or a small indoor garden. Maybe a solar charger or a renter-friendly battery.

"However you can grow house plants, food on your windowsill—just do it," he said. "Build that relationship with the green things in your life, and it will have amazing impacts down the road."

How the future—and AI—will fit into the fold

For all his talk of practical steps and accessible entry points, Nick does have a larger vision—one that involves AI, energy grids, and the long arc of how societies power themselves.

"I am optimistic about the impact that AI will have on energy," he said—not because AI is inherently green, but because the scale of energy AI requires will force a reckoning with renewables. The fossil fuel industry, he argues, simply can't power AI data centers cost-effectively. Renewables can. And that economic reality, more than any policy shift, may be what finally tips the scales.

It's a version of his favorite argument: You don't have to lead with values. You can lead with math.

"If I can show you that my car is faster than your car and costs less to fuel, I don't have to tell you it's electric for those things to be true," he said.

Farmer Nick has been making that case—through plants, through mini-splits, through an eco-homestead still very much in progress—one convert at a time.

Martyna Kowalczyk was around 11-years-old the first time she fell asleep in her family’s solar warehouse. It was 2009, and her father had just started a renewable energy company in Poland, back when solar panels were still something of a novelty. The whole family was in it together, hauling equipment, learning the technology, figuring it out. Though Martyna was young, she was excited to be a part of this new family venture and already had a passion for the technology.

"No matter where I saw solar panels as a kid, I would always point them out," she says. "My friends would laugh at me."

Nobody's laughing now.

Kowalczyk is now the CEO of Solartime USA, a company she built from the ground up after moving to Texas from Poland in 2015 and convincing her father to open an American branch of the family business. She's also made a name for herself as the "Solar Girl," a YouTube personality with a growing following of homeowners who trust her honest, no-nonsense take on an industry with a history of some shady dealings. She says she’s never received a single negative review from a homeowner.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Kowalczyk's story is what she's had to navigate to get here: a notoriously male-dominated industry that often didn't know what to do with a young woman who knew more about solar than almost everyone in the room.

She turned that into her advantage.

'The woman is the neck'

Ask Kowalczyk what it's like being a woman selling solar to homeowners, and she doesn't hesitate. "My sales team takes advantage of it all the time," she said, laughing. "They'll say, 'I want to put Martyna on the phone.' Or 'I want to bring Martyna over so you can meet her.' It genuinely helps when I talk to women."

This tracks with data that the solar industry has been slow to reckon with. Research shows that more often than not, women make financial decisions in American households—between 69% and 90% of the time, depending on various studies. And Nielsen research estimates they'll control 75% of discretionary consumer spending by 2028. 

Studies consistently show that women are more likely than men to prioritize eco-friendly purchases and values-based investing. Yet only 15% of solar adopters who used EnergySage to research and find installers in 2024 identified as women, and site visitor data showed that just 37% of EnergySage users were female during that time. This isn't a quirk—it's a pattern, and it's costing the industry.

Kowalczyk has a theory about why the gap exists, rooted in something her father used to say: "The man is the head of the family, but the woman is the neck—and wherever the neck moves, that's the primary decision maker."

In practice, though, solar companies have historically directed their pitch at the head, not the neck. "We still see that a lot. Most of the customers we talk to are male, but they always go back to making sure their wife is happy and comfortable with the investment."

But especially when men aren’t part of the shopping equation, solo female shoppers can have a frustrating experience—because the sales process, from the door-to-door pitch to the technical brochures to the sales calls dominated by financial jargon, has historically been calibrated specifically for men. 

One such shopper, Emma Johnson, who went solar primarily out of environmental conviction, described feeling like companies "weren't meeting her at her level of knowledge or listening to her." She told EnergySage she couldn't make sense of the brochures they handed her. One installer put her ground-mounted system behind a row of trees despite her objections. "These people were not paying attention," she said.

If Johnson had been a Solartime customer, Kowalczyk would recognize that experience instantly. She's built her entire business model around its opposite: sitting down with both homeowners—whoever they are—and treating every concern as valid. "When you can hear both sides and both concerns," she says, "you get a better outcome for everyone."

The dynamic is shifting, she said. But the industry hasn't fully caught up.

From sleeping in the warehouse in Poland to selling in Dallas

Kowalczyk's path to CEO wasn't a straight line. When she and her father launched Solartime USA in 2016, she was enrolled in college and working as the company's receptionist. By 2017, she'd quit school to go all-in. She was 23 years old.

"I just really wanted to devote myself to this business. I said, 'I want you to be my mentor, Dad.' He said, 'Let's do it.'"

But she'd already been mentored by a decade of living and breathing solar. What Kowalczyk brought to the Texas market wasn't just knowledge; it was a perspective forged in a completely different culture. In Europe, she explained, clean energy marketing centers on environmental values—sustainability, recycling, ecological responsibility. That approach didn't land in Dallas. In its first year, Solartime USA went heavy on "save the planet" messaging. "We hit a wall. People just did not care,” she said.

So they pivoted their advertising, explaining how solar provides energy independence, financial control, and resilience. Despite the switch, Kowalczyk didn’t feel like she was abandoning her advocacy for the planet. "I would tell my dad, ‘People can think this is fully about control and money, but in the background, we're still doing what we love: going green.’"

The lesson stuck. Today, Kowalczyk doesn't just sell solar—she helps homeowners understand what they're actually buying, and whether it's right for them. "I love solar," she said, "but I love solar when it makes financial sense. Solar is not for everyone."

What being underestimated actually looks like

Kowalczyk doesn't dwell on the harder parts of her story, but she doesn't hide them either.

Early in her career, she remembers being in meetings where people would direct questions to her sales manager—a man she had hired and trained—simply because he was older and male. "It takes time to build confidence and to trust in yourself that you know what you're talking about," she said. "I like to say, ‘Fake it till you make it.’ I positioned myself as someone who knows what they're talking about—because I do. If you have a problem with that, I'm sorry, but that's your problem, not mine."

That confidence wasn't handed to her. Research on gender dynamics within the solar industry suggests that panels and rooftop technology are still widely perceived as "masculine domains" compared to other household technologies, with the responsibility for monitoring and managing solar systems typically falling to men—even when women are equally or more invested in the decision. Kowalczyk has lived this reality from both sides: as a female customer-facing professional navigating a male-dominated field, and as a CEO who has had to establish her authority from scratch.

What changed things, she said, wasn't a single breakthrough moment, but rather an accumulation. It took years of showing up, knowing her material, and gradually realizing that her identity wasn't a liability. It was a differentiator.

"There are so many YouTubers and tech educators in solar who are primarily male. I just try to use who I am to my advantage,” she said.

Earning homeowner trust

The solar industry has a complicated history when it comes to consumer trust. While plenty of installers, like Solartime, genuinely act in their customers’ best interests, bad actors exist. Those companies often have a transparency problem, and Kowalczyk is one of the loudest voices calling them out.

Consumer complaints about solar installations jumped fivefold between 2021 and 2023, according to Time magazine—a period that coincided with aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, inflated pricing, and a wave of shady contracts that left homeowners worse off than before. It’s a big reason EnergySage exists: to ensure homeowners are educated, can compare options, and don’t feel pressured when going solar, so they can feel confident and supported in their decision. 

Kowalczyk watched as these dishonest companies marred the broader solar industry's reputation and felt sick about it.

"People hated it when I would tell them I was in solar," she recalled. "Because of all the horror stories, dealer fees, bad situations people got into because of salespeople. I figured I needed to do something."

That "something" became her Solar Girl brand on Instagram and YouTube—a scrappy, deeply practical education channel where she breaks down solar contracts, battery storage, net metering changes, and installer red flags with the kind of directness you rarely see from someone whose livelihood depends on selling the product. Her motto for homeowners: “Take your time. Don't sign anything today. And if a company says the price goes up tomorrow, walk away.”

"I almost feel like if you're mad at solar, you should be mad at yourself for not doing the due diligence," she said—then immediately softened it. "But that's exactly why I make the content. Because it's in your best interest as a homeowner to select a highly reputable installer and look up the equipment. This is not a purchase to take lightly."

The approach is working. The five-star review streak on Google is real. And Kowalczyk said homeowners who find her on YouTube often end up calling Solartime USA because they've watched her be honest about the industry's problems. Trust, it turns out, is the best sales strategy.

"Solar is so cool"

Ask Martyna Kowalczyk what the future of solar looks like, and she gets animated in a way that makes it clear this was never just a job.

She thinks the industry is entering a weeding-out phase: bad actors, inflated prices, and companies that leaned too heavily on incentive-driven sales tactics are going to struggle. Solar on its own still pencils out financially in most markets, she said, even as the policy landscape shifts.

In Texas, she's seen a massive uptick in battery storage as net metering terms have tightened after the 2021 winter storm, saying eight out of 10 customers who install solar with her now add a battery. The value proposition is about locking in lower energy costs before utility prices climb further.

"People don't call us because of the tax credit," she says. "They call because they have a $500 electric bill and they don't want to pay the utility anymore."

Martyna doesn’t just talk the talk—she walks the walk. "I've had solar on every home I've ever lived in. In Poland. In Wylie. In Garland. I have it on one of my rental properties, and I'm about to put it on another. Solar is so cool."

Turns out, the girl who grew up getting laughed at for pointing at solar panels is the one laughing now: She’s built a lucrative solar company on hard work, relationships, and most importantly, honesty.

You can find Martyna Kowalczyk on YouTube at Solartime with Martyna and on Instagram at @solargirl.dallas.

Gas prices in the U.S. have increased 80 cents in the last month, and your utility bill is likely the next victim of the price spike.

The ongoing conflict in Iran is causing shipping disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most important energy passageways on Earth. When that happens, the ripple effects hit your gas bill, your electric bill, and your grocery costs.

We've seen this influence energy prices before. But this time, there's a way out: Households now have real tools to protect themselves from global energy shocks, and many Americans are already using them. Here’s why energy markets are so fragile and how three home technologies are changing the equation for families who are tired of riding the price waves.

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Why a war half a world away raises your energy costs

At first glance, the U.S. might seem well-protected from global energy disruptions. After all, we’re producing record-high levels of oil and natural gas domestically. So why would a conflict in the Middle East affect what you pay for fuel here?

The answer is simple: Energy markets are global. When supply tightens anywhere, prices tend to rise everywhere.

One location that matters more than almost anywhere else is the Strait of Hormuz. A massive share of the world's oil supply flows through this narrow passage every single day. Since the war began, tanker traffic through the strait has been severely disrupted as shipping companies attempt to avoid the conflict zone. Markets reacted immediately. Oil and natural gas prices jumped as tensions escalated, and analysts warn prices could climb much higher if the disruptions continue.

You might be thinking, "But I'm not an oil importer." Fair enough—but if you're still driving a gas-powered car, you're already feeling it the at pump.

And oil's reach goes far beyond gasoline. It influences electricity generation, home heating, transportation costs, food prices, and the cost of everyday goods. When fossil fuel prices spike, the whole economy feels the pain.

That exposes one of the core vulnerabilities of fossil fuels: Their entire supply chain is fragile.

Why fossil fuels are uniquely vulnerable to price shocks

Think about what it actually takes for oil to reach your home. It has to be drilled, refined, transported, shipped across oceans, and delivered through massive infrastructure networks. It's a long, complicated supply chain, and at every step, something can go wrong:

Sanctions.

Pipeline failures.

Extreme weather.

Or, in this case, a new war, creating a shipping crisis in one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

This isn't a new phenomenon. The first time most Americans felt it viscerally was during the oil embargo of 1973, which led to an entire year of long lines, gas shortages, and massive price spikes. It upended the U.S. economy. For decades since, we've had little choice but to absorb these price swings.

But now, homeowners have a solution.

The 3 layers of renewable energy that can protect your home

Renewable energy works fundamentally differently. Sunlight doesn't travel through pipelines. Wind doesn't depend on tankers. The energy stored in batteries can't be blocked by military conflict.

As author and environmentalist Bill McKibben once told us, "Think about how the geopolitics of the world would have been different in the last hundred years if oil had been of trivial value and we ran things on sun and wind. Think of the wars that we would have avoided."

The sun simply shows up every morning, and wind is always flowing somewhere. On especially sunny or windy days, we can store that energy to use later. That's the foundation of a new kind of home energy independence, built on three layers of technology.

Layer 1: Generate your own power with solar

Solar panels are, in a very real sense, small power plants on your roof or yard. And once they're installed, the “fuel” is free.

That means if oil or natural gas prices spike—whether because of a war, a storm, or a political decision—the cost of your solar electricity doesn't move with them.

Solar also pairs naturally with other home electrification upgrades. Induction stoves, electric washer-dryer units, and heat pump systems can all replace fossil fuel appliances. And when powered by solar, your entire home can run on sunlight—that’s what Sean Gallagher did to avoid high utility bills for his Massachusetts home.

"I actually have a net zero home: Heat pumps installed, solar panels on the roof, no electric bill,” said Gallagher.

That combination—lower bills and protection from energy market volatility—is a big reason why rooftop solar adoption has grown so quickly across the U.S.

If your roof or yard isn't a good fit for panels, it's worth knowing that options like plug-in solar or portable panels can still power small appliances and reduce your dependence on the grid. But because the sun doesn't shine 24 hours a day, solar alone isn’t a complete solution, which is where the next layer comes in.

Layer 2: Store that energy with a home battery

Batteries solve solar's biggest limitation: They store energy for when you actually need it.

Here's a staggering fact: The sun delivers more energy to Earth in one hour than humanity uses in an entire year. The challenge has always been capturing and storing it. A home battery does exactly that—it absorbs the extra solar energy produced during the day and makes it available at night or during cloudy stretches.

Pairing solar with a battery gives you around-the-clock freedom from volatile oil and gas prices. Most homeowners still keep their systems connected to the grid for simplicity, but the financial protection is real. And during power outages—which are becoming more frequent as extreme weather events increase—a battery keeps your essential appliances running.

Kris from City Prepping—a company that teaches emergency preparedness—chose a solar and battery system as his back-up power system of choice.

"If there's a disaster, set up solar panels and a battery system with an inverter. You're not relying on fuel that's limited. It produces no noise, no fumes,” he said.

Battery technology is also improving fast. Home batteries are becoming more powerful, more affordable, and easier to install every year.

Layer 3: Cut gasoline out of the equation with an EV

Even with solar panels and a home battery, most households still have one thing tying them to volatile fuel markets: their car.

For many families, gasoline is the single biggest way global energy shocks hit their budget. One week you're paying a reasonable price at the pump, and the next you're watching the numbers climb past $4 or even $5 per gallon. Even in calmer times, the average American household spends between $2,000 to $3,000 a year on gasoline.

An electric vehicle can eliminate that cost. And if you pair it with a home EV charger and solar panels, you can "fuel" your car with electricity generated straight from your own roof, making the cost of driving far more predictable.

Some newer EV models are adding another capability that takes this even further with bidirectional charging, which allows electricity to flow both ways. That means your car isn't just a vehicle, it's also a massive battery for your home. If the power goes out, or if you simply want to avoid expensive electricity during peak demand hours, your EV can power critical appliances or even your whole home.

Energy security is becoming personal

For decades, energy security was something governments handled. Ordinary households had no real tool to protect themselves from global market disruptions—you just paid whatever the pump or the utility said.

That’s changing.

Together, solar, batteries, and EVs allow homes to generate, store, and control their own energy. As Florida homeowner Adam Lawrence put it, "With the weather and the political climate becoming more unpredictable, having power security is super important. It's kind of like number one, you've got to have power, then you've got to have water."

For others, it's more personal. "With the fragility of our nation's functioning, if an enemy were to come against us, we could lose some [access to the] grid. So we don't want to be tied to it necessarily," said Vermont homeowner Jane Jones, who recently made the transition to solar and storage.

These homeowners—and millions like them—are proving that the way you power your home doesn’t have to be as unpredictable as global energy markets. When times are uncertain, and the world feels out of your control, having control over your energy can make all the difference.

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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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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