For years, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) played a major role in driving solar adoption. It helped lower upfront costs, accelerated payback timelines, and made clean energy more accessible for homeowners across New England.
So when people hear “the ITC is gone,” the next question is often:
Is solar worth it without the ITC?
The short answer: Yes.
And in many cases, solar remains a smart, resilient investment—even without a federal tax credit.
Here’s why.
What the ITC Did (and Didn’t Do)
The ITC reduced the cost of installing solar by allowing homeowners to claim a percentage of their system cost as a federal tax credit. While helpful, it was never the sole reason solar worked financially.
What truly drives solar value has always been:
- Long-term electricity savings
- Protection from rising utility rates
- Net metering and state-level programs
- Increased home value
- Energy independence
The ITC accelerated payback—but it wasn’t the foundation.
Solar Economics Were Improving Long Before the ITC Changed
Over the past decade:
- Solar equipment costs dropped significantly
- System efficiency improved
- Financing options expanded
- Installation processes became more streamlined
These improvements didn’t disappear with the ITC. In fact, many homeowners today are installing more powerful, longer-lasting systems than ever before— with similar lifetime savings.
Rising Utility Rates Matter More Than Ever
One of the strongest arguments for solar has nothing to do with incentives at all: utility prices keep rising.
Across New England, electricity rates have become:
- More volatile
- More seasonal
- More difficult to predict year over year
Solar helps lock in your energy costs for decades with one up front payment or a loan with a term (and payment) that best fits your needs. It turns a fluctuating (or constantly growing) monthly expense into a stable loan payment or long-term return on your initial investment. Even without the ITC, the reduced cost of electricity you enjoy will typically deliver meaningful savings.
State and Local Incentives Still Play a Big Role
While the federal ITC may be gone, state and regional programs continue to support solar adoption across New England.
Depending on your location, these may include:
- Net metering credits
- Performance-based incentives
- Utility programs and rebates
- Battery-specific incentives and demand-response programs
These programs can significantly impact system value and should always be evaluated alongside federal policy changes.
Ownership Still Drives Long-Term Value
Without a federal tax credit in the mix, the importance of system ownership becomes even clearer.
Owning your system typically means:
- Lower lifetime cost than leasing
- Greater savings over 20–30 years
- Easier resale if you move
- Full control over upgrades and battery additions
Solar works best when it’s treated as a long-term asset—not a short-term discount.
Solar Is About More Than Incentives
For many homeowners, solar isn’t just about dollars and cents.
It’s about:
- Reducing reliance on the grid
- Preparing for outages and extreme weather
- Pairing solar with batteries or future electrification
- Investing in cleaner, local energy
Incentives come and go. The core benefits of solar remain.
The Bottom Line – Why Solar IS Worth It Without the ITC
The ITC may no longer be part of the equation—but solar still is.
With rising utility costs, proven technology, strong state-level programs, and decades of real-world performance, solar continues to deliver long-term value for homeowners who take a thoughtful, informed approach.
At New England Clean Energy, we focus on what works now—not what used to. That means clear assessment of your home or business in regards to benefiting from solar, understandable pricing, honest projections, and systems designed to perform for decades, not just long enough to chase an incentive.
Wondering if solar still makes sense for your home today?
We’ll walk you through current incentives, realistic savings, and ownership options—no pressure, no assumptions.
Schedule a free consultation today!
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