Consumer Guide: Going Solar After Trump’s Megabill Signed Into Law
Homeowners who have been passively considering going solar are now springing into action to go solar before the tax credits go away. Although there is now a clear rush for homeowners looking to take advantage of the tax credit before it disappears for good, going solar is still a large investment and one that should be done with careful thought and consideration.
The solar.com team has put together an extensive guide on the One Big Beautiful “megabill” (or OBBB) and how it will impact going solar. Feel free to check out the other resource articles we’ve put together.
Solar.com’s OBBB Resource Center:
- FAQs about the OBBB
- OBBB Solar industry implications
- What homeowners need to know about leasing solar post OBBB
- Archive: tracking the OBBB through the House and Senate
Questions to Ask Before Going Solar in the Second Half of 2025
Although there’s undoubtedly far more time pressure to go solar now, the fundamentals of considering and ultimately purchasing solar shouldn’t be ignored. If someone knocked on your door or you saw a social media ad urging you to go solar now to get the tax credit pause for a second. Don’t sign any contracts yet. Maybe they’re offering a great deal—but more often than not these high-pressure sales teams are not market competitive, and some are outright scams.
Hint: if you’re being offered “free solar” or a “utility program” or “state program” that fully pays for solar, it’s a lie. Don’t engage with these companies.
The solar.com advises that there are three basic questions homeowners should consider before choosing to go solar. We’ve updated these through the lens of the One Big Beautiful Bill becoming law.
Is It the Right Technology?
Selecting the right hardware for your solar array goes well beyond the lowest cost and should be considered what creates the greatest value. Sometimes, the greatest value is a higher efficiency, higher output system at a premium over lower-cost commodity components.
With the looming “FEOC” restrictions, consumers are also right to question whether the parent company of their technology providers is Chinese-controlled or influenced. Strict FEOC prohibitions in the OBBB may mean these companies abandon the US market, which might leave homeowners without access to warranty support.
Is It the Right Contractor?
Quality of workmanship, communication, and after-installation support all define what separates excellent contractors from the rest.
But in the context of 2025, post-OBBB solar shoppers should also consider whether the contractor has sufficient capacity to build the project before the end of the year and whether they’ll be able to stay in business once the market slows down next year. While it’s very hard to predict the future, trust that the solar.com team is monitoring this closely within our network of contractors and also provides a Tri-Guard Warranty on all systems as a value add to all homeowners who go solar with solar.com.
Is It the Right Economics?
For most people, the choice to go solar comes down to whether it makes the right financial sense. While installation and component prices are going up, capturing the tax credit while you can still likely makes sense today. And, our recent assessment of how solar impacts property values shows that just the increase in property values alone can often pay for the upfront investment in solar.
However, using substandard components or a fly-by-night contractor can negate the savings offered by the tax credit and just lead to years of headaches.
Solar.com also highly recommends using a low/no dealer fee loan to go solar in 2025. While the APR will be higher, it allows for more cost-efficient refinancing when interest rates drop. They also typically provide a greater value for most homeowners over time, especially if the loan is paid off early.
Ready to Go Solar?
Start your project today on solar.com to receive multiple binding quotes from vetted and qualified contractors in your area and be assigned an Energy Advisor who will walk you through the process and help you select the right technology, right contractor, and right financing to meet your specific needs.
