Introduction: A Historic Tax Credit Is Ending – Here’s What It Means for You
The countdown is on. If you’ve been considering solar energy, battery storage, or preparing your roof for solar, the time to act is now. In July 2025, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which eliminates the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D of the IRS Code) starting January 1, 2026.
This means homeowners have until December 31, 2025 to fully install and commission qualifying systems and still receive the 30% federal tax credit. After that, this powerful incentive disappears—no phase-down, no extensions, no second chances.
At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, we’re helping homeowners across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties take full advantage of this last-chance opportunity by installing:
- Solar energy systems (featuring QCells panels)
- Tesla Powerwall 3 and Franklin battery backup systems
- Solar-ready cool roofs (CertainTeed Solaris, GAF Cool Series)
- Full-service solar panel removal and reinstallation for roof replacement
Let’s break down what qualifies, what doesn’t, and why moving quickly is more important than ever.
What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D)?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit—commonly known as the solar tax credit—has long provided homeowners with a 30% credit on the cost of solar systems, battery storage, and associated labor. Until recently, it was expected to remain available through 2032, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
But that changed with the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which eliminates the 30% credit for residential installations beginning January 1, 2026. This law overrides the IRA schedule and applies to all new residential solar projects that haven’t been completed and turned on by December 31, 2025.
Who Should Act Before the Tax Credit Expires?
The short answer: any homeowner planning to install or upgrade solar power, battery storage, or prepare their home for future solar.
- Homeowners looking to offset electric bills with solar energy
- Families needing energy security with battery backup
- Households planning to replace their roof and add solar
- Anyone with an older solar system needing a panel upgrade or reinstallation
What Qualifies for the 30% Tax Credit (Before the Deadline)?
1. New Solar Panel Systems
New rooftop solar systems installed and commissioned by Dec. 31, 2025, qualify for the full 30% tax credit. That includes:
- Panels (QCells, REC, etc.)
- Inverters
- Wiring and mounting hardware
- Labor and permitting
- Design and engineering
With utility rates climbing across the Bay Area, solar doesn’t just save on taxes—it can lock in stable electricity costs for decades.
2. Battery Backup Systems
Installing a Tesla Powerwall 3, FranklinWH, or similar battery qualifies for the tax credit as long as it stores solar energy. At Home Pro, we install batteries with new and existing systems—perfect for homeowners wanting:
- Nighttime power
- Backup during outages
- Utility bill savings from time-of-use rate arbitrage
The battery alone—often a $15,000+ investment—can generate up to $4,500 in federal tax savings if installed before year-end.
3. Solar Removal and Reinstallation (Re-roof Projects)
( Does Not Qualify for tax credit:)
If you already have solar but your roof needs replacement, we handle full solar removal and reinstallation. This includes:
- Safe removal of panels and components
- Roof replacement using solar-compatible materials
- Reinstalling and recommissioning the system
All labor directly tied to removal, reinstallation, and reconnecting qualifies for the 30% tax credit. This is a big win for customers needing a new roof before their old solar system can be put back to work
Roofing and the Tax Credit: What You Need to Know
At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, we specialize in solar-ready roofing. If you’re installing a new solar system, and your roof is old or not up to code, we’ll guide you through your best options.
We offer:
- GAF Cool Roof shingles (reflective, heat-reducing)
- CertainTeed Solaris shingles (Title 24 compliant)
- Expert flashing and ridge vent integration
- Full tear-off, decking, underlayment, and detail work
If your roof must be replaced in order to install solar, then the portion of the roofing work directly supporting solar (e.g., load-bearing support, structural prep) may* qualify. We can help you determine what’s eligible in your specific case.
* Important: The IRS is clear—roofing by itself does not qualify for the tax credit unless it’s part of a solar installation and necessary for it.
Why Act Now: The Clock Is Ticking
Because of permitting backlogs, inspection delays, and high contractor demand, starting early is critical. Projects can take 2–3 months from signed contract to commissioning. And if your project isn’t operational by December 31, 2025, you’ll lose the 30% tax credit entirely.
- A $30,000 solar + battery system today = $9,000 in tax savings
- The same system installed in January 2026 = $0 tax credit
Serving the Bay Area: Roofing, Solar & Battery Experts
Home Pro Roofing and Solar is a local, highly rated contractor based in Sunnyvale and serving:
- Santa Clara County (Sunnyvale, San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Mountain View)
- San Mateo County (San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, San Carlos, Menlo Park)
- Alameda County (Fremont, Oakland, Hayward, Castro Valley)
- Roof replacement (composition, TPO, cool roof systems)
- Full solar installations using premium QCells panels
- Battery storage with Tesla Powerwall 3 and Franklin
- Panel removal and reinstallation for roofing projects
- Solar performance troubleshooting and repairs
- Flexible financing options
The Bottom Line: Time Is Running Out
The 30% federal solar tax credit is one of the most generous incentives ever offered to homeowners—but it's coming to an end on December 31, 2025. The law is final, the deadline is firm, and there will be no phase-out.
- Installing solar
- Adding a battery backup
- Replacing your roof and reinstalling solar
Contact Home Pro Roofing and Solar Today
Based in Sunnyvale, CA, we’re your trusted local roofing and solar partner for quality installations and long-term performance.
Call us at (800) 650-3134
Visit HomeProCA.com
Serving Santa Clara, San Mateo & Alameda Counties
Let’s get your project moving—before the 30% tax credit disappears forever.