National Solar Technologies, a leading solar installation company serving the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse metropolitan areas, is alerting local residents that they have less than four months remaining to claim the 30% federal residential solar tax credit.

The Big Beautiful Bill dramatically accelerated the end of the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, moving the termination date from 2034 to December 31, 2025. This abrupt change means homeowners who install solar systems after January 1, 2026, will lose access to savings that average $10,000 per household.

“Local homeowners are facing a critical decision point,”  said Paul Vargovich, President of National Solar Technologies. “Energy costs continue rising while the most significant federal incentive for residential solar is about to vanish. Western New York families who have been considering solar need to understand that this isn’t just about missing out on savings—it’s about taking control of their energy future while they still have substantial federal support to do so.”

Rising Energy Costs Compound Urgency

The timing couldn’t be more critical for local residents. As electricity rates continue their upward trajectory due to aging infrastructure and increasing demand, the elimination of the federal tax credit creates a narrow window for homeowners to secure both immediate savings and long-term electric rate hike relief. According to the Department of Public Service records, NYSEG hit customers with a 23.7% residential rate hike on June 30, 2025, even as complaints about already sky-high utility bills continue to pour in.

“Every month a homeowner delays going solar is another month of higher utility bills,” Vargovich explained. “But now, they’re also racing against a firm deadline to capture 30% in federal tax savings. Once December 31, 2025 passes, that opportunity may be gone forever.”

Commercial Solar Projects Face Different Timeline

While residential solar faces the hard December 31, 2025 deadline, commercial solar projects for local businesses operate under different federal incentive structures. These incentives will expire December 31, 2027. However, it is important to note that those commercial projects must be fully installed and operational by that date to receive the tax credits. Vargovich emphasizes that businesses shouldn’t delay their solar initiatives.

“Commercial solar installations utilize different tax credit mechanisms that the One Big Beautiful Bill doesn’t eliminate on the same timeline,” Vargovich noted. “However, these projects often require much longer development timelines and face constantly evolving regulatory requirements. We’re encouraging our commercial clients to begin their solar projects now to ensure they maximize available incentives and avoid upcoming policy changes.”

Local Impact and Installation Capacity

National Solar Technologies has been serving Western New York for more than 25 years, completing hundreds of solar installations throughout Erie, Niagara, and surrounding counties. The company anticipates unprecedented demand as the deadline approaches.

“We’re already seeing increased inquiries from homeowners who are just learning about the accelerated deadline,” Vargovich said. “Our advice is simple: don’t wait. The design, permitting, and installation process takes time, and installation capacity will become increasingly limited as we approach December 31.”

No Phase-Out Period

Unlike previous solar incentive changes that included gradual phase-out periods, the One Big Beautiful Bill creates a cliff effect. The residential 30% federal tax credit will be available at full value through December 31, 2025, and completely unavailable starting January 1, 2026.

“There’s no safety net here,” Vargovich emphasized. “This isn’t a gradual reduction—it’s a complete elimination. Homeowners need to have their systems installed and operational by December 31, 2025 to claim the credit. After that date, they’ll pay full price for their solar installation without federal assistance.”

About National Solar Technologies

National Solar Technologies, based in Depew, NY, specializes in residential and commercial solar projects. The company provides comprehensive solar solutions, from initial consultation and system design through installation and ongoing maintenance. Founded on principles of quality workmanship and customer education, National Solar Technologies helps local families and businesses achieve energy independence through solar power.

For more information about solar installation timelines and available incentives, contact National Solar Technologies at 716.683.2505 or visit https://www.nstsolar.com/residential-solar-energy-systems/.