Is 2025 the Final Year to Claim the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit?
There’s urgency in the air—and not just from the summer heat. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, 2025 might be your last chance to make it count in a big way. Thanks to recent legislation, the clock is ticking on the 30% federal residential solar tax credit. After December 31, 2025, that generous credit disappears for good. Yes—gone. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Changing With Solar—And Why It Matters
For years, the 30% federal solar tax credit (a.k.a. Section 25D) has been one of the strongest motivators for homeowners to make the switch to solar. It allowed you to claim nearly a third of your total system cost back on your federal taxes. That’s thousands of dollars you could put toward savings, home improvements, or that vacation you’ve been putting off.
Originally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended this credit through 2032. But recent legislation just changed all that. Under the new law, the residential solar tax credit ends December 31, 2025. After that? No federal incentive for homeowners purchasing solar outright. So, there’s no rollover to 2026. No, “I’ll just wait another year and see.” This is a real deadline with real financial consequences if missed.
The Difference Is Big
Let’s say your solar installation in Tampa runs around $24,000. With the 30% federal tax credit still in place, you’d be eligible to claim $7,200 on your taxes. Without it, you pay full price.
That’s a major missed opportunity, especially for Floridians, who already enjoy one of the sunniest climates in the country—and don’t pay state income tax. Solar in Tampa is financially optimized, but timing is everything.
What Counts as “Installed and Placed in Service”?
This detail matters—and it’s one too many homeowners misunderstand. To qualify for the 30% credit, your system doesn’t just need to be purchased in 2025. It must be installed and fully operational by December 31, 2025. Not in progress. Not “almost done.” Fully placed in service.
That means permitting, inspection, and utility approval all wrapped up. And here’s the catch: the closer we get to the end of the year, the more packed installers’ schedules become. If you wait until fall, you’re not just rolling the dice—you’re likely out of luck.
Why Go Solar Now, Not Later?
Besides the looming deadline? You can:
- Lock in long-term energy savings now while incentives are high.
- Increase your home value with a system buyers actually want.
- Beat rising electricity rates and gain energy independence.
- Support local clean energy jobs right here in Florida.
- And maybe most importantly—you’ll finally stop thinking about it and start benefiting from it.
It’s easy to put things off. But if you’ve ever kicked yourself for missing a good deal, you already know how this story ends.
You’ve Got Sun, You’ve Got Time (For Now)—Call Us
Here in Tampa, sunshine is a guarantee. But incentives like this are not. The 30% federal solar tax credit has powered hundreds of thousands of installations across the country—and it’s been a key reason why. Don’t let 2025 slip by without locking in your piece of it.
Solar Bear of Tampa is here to make the process easy, quick, and totally hassle-free. Our team handles everything—from permits to installation to making sure you hit that all-important “placed in service” milestone. The sun is still shining and the savings are still on the table, but the deadline is real. Let’s make this the year you finally go solar. Call us at (727) 353-3887 to schedule your free consultation today!