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Solar Industry News

The latest developments in solar energy, policy, technology, and market trends across the United States.

Utility Dive

Solar Leases and PPAs Emerge as the Only Path to Federal Tax Savings for Homeowners

With the residential federal solar Investment Tax Credit (Section 25D) ended on January 1, 2026, third-party owned solar arrangements have emerged as the only remaining route for homeowners to access a 30% federal tax credit. Solar leases and power purchase agreements still qualify under the commercial Section 48E ITC, which remains in effect for systems where a third party owns the equipment and construction begins by July 4, 2026. TPO providers fold the credit into customer pricing, which translates into lower monthly lease and PPA rates than would otherwise be possible. Industry analysts at SEIA project TPO market share to grow from roughly 35% of residential installations to as much as 60% by year end as more homeowners look at zero-down options.

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PV Magazine USA

Solar and Storage to Lead Record 86 GW U.S. Capacity Surge in 2026

U.S. utility-scale electricity capacity is on track for a record 86 gigawatts of new additions in 2026, according to fresh planning data, with solar and battery storage projects accounting for the vast majority of the pipeline. Developers are racing to safe harbor projects ahead of the July 4, 2026 deadline that determines eligibility for the commercial Section 48E investment tax credit, after which qualifying construction must already be underway. The buildout reflects a continuing decoupling of utility-scale solar economics from policy uncertainty, even as the residential side adjusts to the loss of the customer-owned credit.

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U.S. Congress

Residential Solar Tax Credit Ends as One Big Beautiful Bill Becomes Law

The 30% federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) officially ended on January 1, 2026, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. While residential homeowners can no longer claim the credit for new installations, commercial solar tax credits remain intact, continuing to support large-scale solar deployment and the broader clean energy industry. Homeowners who installed solar before the deadline locked in their credits under the previous law.

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Solar Energy Industries Association

U.S. Residential Solar Installations Surpass 5 Million Homes

The United States has officially surpassed 5 million residential solar installations, a milestone that reflects the rapid growth of distributed solar energy. Industry analysts project this number could double by 2030 as equipment costs continue to decline and battery storage becomes more accessible.

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Next-Generation Solar Panel Efficiency Breaks 25% Barrier for Residential Modules

Researchers have achieved a new efficiency record for commercially viable residential solar panels, breaking the 25% barrier. This advancement means homeowners can generate more electricity from fewer panels, reducing installation costs and making solar viable for homes with limited roof space.

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Wood Mackenzie

Home Battery Storage Market Grows 80% Year-Over-Year

The residential battery storage market experienced explosive 80% year-over-year growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for energy independence and grid resilience. Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and Franklin Home Power lead the market as more solar installers bundle storage with new installations.

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DSIRE

States Accelerate Updated Net Metering Policies Nationwide

A growing number of states are implementing updated net metering policies that balance fair compensation for solar homeowners with grid sustainability. The new frameworks typically offer time-of-use export rates that reward solar generation during peak demand periods, with California, Arizona, and several Northeast states leading the transition.

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The Solar Foundation

Solar Industry Employs Over 350,000 Workers Across the United States

The U.S. solar industry now employs over 350,000 workers, making it one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the country. The workforce expansion spans installation, manufacturing, sales, and engineering roles, with particularly strong growth in states that have adopted ambitious clean energy targets.

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