Tuesday Tuneup- #70
The Big Beautiful Bill Just Passed… Now What?
Happy Tuesday everyone!
By now you’ve heard... the One Big Beautiful Bill has been signed into law. And like it or not, it changes everything for solar.
The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit is now set to expire at the end of 2025 (For customer owned systems)….not 2034 as originally planned.
If your business depends on federal tax credits to make your numbers work… you need a new plan. Fast.
But here’s the good news: This could be the best thing that ever happened to smart solar contractors. Why? Because the market is still massive... but the playing field is about to shrink. The ones who adapt will win big.
So how do you adapt?
Here are 5 moves you can make today to stay ahead...
1. Get Comfortable with Leases and PPAs
If you’ve been pushing only cash or loan deals, it’s time to evolve. As ITCs disappear, leases and PPAs become much more attractive to homeowners—especially when there’s no longer a 30% rebate to wait on.
These models help you:
Zero upfront cost, instant savings...... Leases and PPAs let homeowners go solar with no money down and lower monthly bills from day one, making the decision a no-brainer in tight markets.
No tax liability needed...... Unlike purchase deals that rely on a 30% tax credit, leases and PPAs work for anyone—regardless of income, credit score, or tax appetite.
Hands-off ownership...... System maintenance, monitoring, and performance are all handled by the provider, giving homeowners peace of mind without the hassle of managing their own equipment.
Start forming relationships with funders that offer lease and PPA programs now! The lines are going to be long and onboarding with these guys is about to get much harder.
2. Add Roofing or HVAC
If you’re already in the home... why not solve more than just power?
Millions of homes will need new roofs, HVAC upgrades, or electrical panels in the next few years. If you’re not offering those services, your competitors will.
Adding a roofing or HVAC division (or partnering with one) gives you:
A new revenue stream that doesn’t rely on subsidies
A reason to go back to your old solar customers
Higher per-job margins and deeper trust with homeowners
Start small. Sub out a few projects. Build process. Grow from there.
3. Launch a Service Department
Service is no longer optional. It’s how you survive between installs.
There are 5.3 million systems already installed in the U.S… and a huge chunk (1 out of 3) were done by companies that are now out of business. Those orphaned systems need help and you can be the one who shows up.
Offer:
Inverter replacements
Battery retrofits
Annual inspections and cleanings
Monitoring and troubleshooting
Create a small tech team and a recurring service plan. Sell it like insurance.
4. Rebrand... Creatively
This market shift gives you a clean slate. You’re no longer just “XYZ Solar.” You’re a home energy expert. A problem solver. A whole home solution.
Think about how you position yourself:
Could you lead with comfort and savings, not solar panels?
Could you be “XYZ Home Solutions” instead?
Could your brand lean into local values, family safety, or storm prep?
If your old pitch relied on tax credits, it’s time to write a new one.
5. Look Beyond the Tax Credit
Most solar companies talk about payback, but smart companies talk about value.
Consumers still want:
Predictable energy bills
Backup power
Control over rising utility costs
That doesn't go away just because a tax credit disappears. You just need to reframe your offer around ownership, control, and resilience.
Final Word
The Big Beautiful Bill is not the end of solar. It’s the end of lazy solar.
The companies that keep doing business like it’s 2021 will struggle. But those who take action diversify, innovate, and lead are about to take serious market share.
PS- This will probablly be the last week we offer our community out for free and it will be moving to a paid community shortly. If you’d like to join, check out www.Billiondollarcontractor.com and click the link in the upper right hand corner.
Thank you as always for the support and I apprecaite you all!
-Steve