The 30% federal tax credit for homeowner-purchased solar ended in 2025, but homeowners haven’t stopped looking for ways to lower their electricity costs.
New data from EnergySage shows that during the first six months of 2026, homeowners continued to find savings through solar and battery storage, while the market adapted with new financing and ownership options. The report analyzed millions of transactions from homeowners shopping on EnergySage between January and June 2026.
So, what does that mean if you’re considering solar today?
The tax credit changed, but the reasons for going solar didn’t
For years, the 30% residential federal tax credit was a major part of the financial case for purchasing a solar system. That credit ended for homeowner-owned systems installed after December 31, 2025.
Losing it changed the numbers, but it didn’t change household needs or what homeowners are trying to gain.
According to EnergySage’s latest report, 70% of contractors said saving money is still the primary reason their customers purchase solar. Changes to utility rates, including time-of-use pricing and fixed charges, are also influencing how homeowners think about solar and battery storage.
EnergySage found that median solar prices increased about 3% during the first half of 2026, while storage prices increased about 5%. Even with those increases and the loss of the homeowner tax credit, homeowners continued to pursue solar and storage.
There are more ways to make the numbers work
Buying a solar system outright or using a traditional solar loan aren’t the only options.
Third-party ownership, or TPO, has become much more common since the residential tax credit ended. EnergySage reports that the share of installers quoting TPO options on its marketplace increased from about 14% to roughly 41% in six months.
Depending on the program, these options can allow homeowners to benefit from commercial tax incentives that are still available without claiming a residential tax credit themselves. EnergySage has also reported that leases and power purchase agreements can remain eligible for commercial solar tax credits under certain requirements
At Atma, we can help you compare the options available to you rather than assuming one way of paying for solar is right for everyone.
Solar is always about more than tax incentives
Saving money remains important, but homeowners also look at solar and batteries as a way to have more control over their energy at home.
Battery interest reached an all-time high in EnergySage’s latest data, with 76% of homeowners reporting interest in storage during the first half of 2026.
For some homeowners, the goal is long-term electricity savings. For others, it may be backup power, greater energy resilience or storing more of the electricity their solar system produces for use later.
The right system depends on what you want it to do.
Does solar make sense for your home?
Your electricity use, utility rates, roof, equipment, financing, battery needs and long-term goals all affect the numbers. The best place to start is by looking at your home rather than assuming solar is no longer a viable option because one incentive disappeared.
Atma’s Solar Advisors will help you understand the options available today, and our engineering-led process looks at what can realistically work for your home before you make a decision.
If you’re wondering how solar can benefit your home, you can schedule a free, no-obligation 10-minute discovery call.