President Trump has officially signed the 2025 budget bill—and for homeowners considering solar, it changes everything. One of the biggest takeaways? The 2025 solar tax credit for residential systems is coming to an end.

This bill marks a major shift in national energy policy, with provisions that scale back solar incentives for homeowners in 2025. If you’ve been waiting to go solar, this may be your last opportunity to take advantage of federal savings before they disappear.

In this blog, we’ll break down what the Trump budget bill solar impact means for your home, your energy costs, and the timeline you need to follow to lock in the full 30% tax credit before the deadline.

What’s Changing in 2025 — And Why It Matters for Homeowners

The recently passed budget bill officially ends the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar installations on December 31, 2025. This means that after this year, homeowners will no longer be able to claim a major portion of their solar installation cost as a federal tax benefit. That’s a residential solar tax credit expiration worth thousands of dollars per household.

To put it in perspective:
If your solar system costs $20,000, the 30% tax credit gives you $6,000 back at tax time. Starting in 2026, that benefit drops to zero for residential systems—unless new legislation reverses this policy.

This change is part of the broader Trump budget bill solar impact, which shifts focus away from clean energy and places more emphasis on fossil fuel development. While commercial projects may still see some incentives, solar incentives for homeowners in 2025 are effectively being phased out.

If you’re thinking about solar, the clock is now ticking.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Solar in California

If you’re a homeowner in California, the best time to go solar in 2025 is right now. Here’s why: between permitting, utility paperwork, and contractor scheduling, the full process for solar panel installation in California can take 8 to 12 weeks—sometimes longer in busy areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Bay Area.

That means if you wait until late fall, you may miss the deadline to qualify for the 30% tax credit entirely. The safest bet is to begin the process in summer or early fall, while there’s still time to get everything in motion before December 31.

Beyond the tax credit, solar continues to offer big benefits for California homeowners:

• Lower utility bills, especially during peak-rate months

• Increased home value (studies show solar-equipped homes in CA sell for more)

• Protection from utility rate hikes and rolling blackouts

Whether you live in Sacramento or Santa Ana, starting your solar journey now helps you lock in savings, avoid year-end delays, and take full advantage of both federal and local benefits.

How DroneQuote Helps You Compare Solar Quotes Before Incentives End

Shopping for solar doesn’t have to mean chasing down installers or sitting through pushy sales calls. At DroneQuote, we simplify the process by letting you compare solar quotes online—all from trusted, pre-vetted installers in your area.

Here’s how it works:
We use drone solar inspections to capture precise images of your roof, allowing us to generate accurate system designs and pricing without anyone stepping foot on your property. That means no guesswork, no inflated estimates—just real numbers based on your actual home.

Our job isn’t to sell you on a specific product or contractor. We’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible, with side-by-side quotes and full transparency every step of the way.

Homeowners from Sacramento to San Diego have already used DroneQuote to lock in their 2025 solar incentives before they expire. If you’re ready to explore your options, we’ll help you do it confidently—without the pressure.

Act Now to Lock in the 2025 Solar Tax Credit — Before It’s Gone

To qualify for the 2025 solar tax credit, your project needs to be underway before December 31, 2025. That means signed contracts, permitting, and initial work must be started before the deadline—not just scheduled.

With the residential solar tax credit expiration now confirmed by the latest federal budget bill, this could be your last opportunity to save thousands on your system.

DroneQuote makes the process quick and easy. You can get a no-obligation estimate, based on drone-verified roof data, and compare offers from top installers—all without sales pressure or hidden fees.

If you’re even thinking about solar, now’s the time to get your questions answered and your options on the table—before the window closes.

FAQs — Quick Answers for California Homeowners

1. When does the 2025 solar tax credit expire?
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expires on December 31, 2025. Contracts and initial work must begin by then to qualify.

2. How much can I save with the solar tax credit in 2025?
You can save 30% of your total system cost in federal tax credits. For example, a $25,000 system yields a $7,500 credit on your tax return.

3. What does the Trump budget bill mean for solar incentives?
Signed in July 2025, the Trump budget bill ends the residential solar tax credit after 2025 and phases out other clean energy incentives—making now a key window for homeowners to act.

4. Is now a good time to go solar in California?
Yes. With the federal incentives expiring, and rising electricity rates in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, locking in solar rates now can offer long-term savings and independence.

5. What happens if I install solar panels in 2026?
Residential systems starting in 2026 will not qualify for the 30% tax credit. Unless new legislation emerges, you’ll miss out on federal savings.

6. How long does it take to install solar panels in California?
From consultation to activation, expect a timeline of 8–12 weeks. Permitting and utility approvals, particularly in cities like Los Angeles or the Bay Area, can extend that—so start early.

7. Can I still get financing if I go solar in 2025?
Yes. Many lenders offer solar loans that work with the tax credit. You may receive your tax savings, then use them to pay off your loan—lowering your effective costs.

8. Do I need to finish installation before the 2025 deadline?
You don’t have to finish, but you must begin significant work (e.g., permit pulled or paid 5% of cost) by December 31, 2025, under “safe harbor” rules.

9. Are drone solar inspections accurate?
Absolutely. Drone solar inspections capture high-resolution imagery of your roof’s layout, orientation, and shading—delivering precise, reliable estimates without manual measurements.

10. What’s the best way to compare solar quotes in Los Angeles and San Diego?
Use a comparison service to pull multiple vetted quotes side by side, like DroneQuote’s platform tailored for Los Angeles, San Diego, and throughout California. It saves time and ensures transparency.