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Don’t wait any longer: 2025 is the last year homeowners in Southern California can claim the full 30 % federal tax credit on a solar + battery system. With installation slots filling fast, local utility backlog risks, and state rebates still available for battery backup—now is the moment. At US Power, with our exclusive factory-direct partnership with Qcells, we make it fast, simple, and high-value. Schedule your free consultation today and lock in savings before December 31, 2025.

Why This Year Matters: The Deadline Is Real

The federal residential clean energy tax credit (also known as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC) allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of qualifying solar property from their federal taxes.

Importantly: many recent analyses show this credit will expire for residential systems after December 31, 2025 unless new legislation intervenes.

For example: one article explains “the 25D rooftop solar tax credit … expires on Dec. 31, 2025.”

Thus, homeowners in Southern California must act now to ensure their system is installed and operational in 2025 to qualify.

What the 30% Credit Means for Southern California Homeowners

Let’s translate the numbers into your local context:

  • Suppose a typical home system of ~6 kW costs $25,000 (materials + installation + permits) — applying the 30 % credit means $7,500 off your federal tax liability.
  • With SoCal electricity rates averaging around $0.30–$0.35 per kWh, your solar system can slash your monthly bills significantly, accelerating pay-back.
  • Over a 25-year lifespan, that means tens of thousands in savings, plus the tax credit up-front.

Key takeaway: By acting in 2025, you secure both the tax credit and the long-term lower energy cost.

Local Benefits That Amplify the Value in Southern California

1. High Energy Rates = Bigger Savings

Southern California homeowners face some of the highest electricity rates in the U.S. A solar installation significantly reduces exposure to rate hikes.

2. Abundant Sunshine = Strong Production

With over ~280 sunny days a year in areas like Sherman Oaks and Encino, your solar system will generate strong output, improving ROI.

3. Battery Backup = Peace of Mind

Installing a battery with your solar system adds resilience: you’re protected during grid outages or summer peak demand periods—especially relevant in fire risk / PSPS zones.

4. Property Value & Market Appeal

Homes with solar (and storage) increasingly command better value and appeal in markets across Southern California.

Exclusive Edge: Why US Power + Qcells Makes the Difference

At US Power, homeowners gain a strategic edge:

  • Factory-direct partnership with Qcells means American-made, high-efficiency solar panels at reduced cost thanks to bypassed distributor mark-ups.
  • We bundle solar + battery storage, managing the complete system design—from permit to install to rebate/credit application.
  • Our team services the Los Angeles / Ventura / Orange County region and knows the local roof types, permitting challenges, and utility interconnection workflows.

By choosing US Power now, you’re not just “going solar” — you’re locking in value, timing, and a trusted local partner.

Timing & Project Workflow: What to Expect

Step-by-step to beat the 2025 deadline:

  1. Initial consultation & system design — understand your roof, usage, shading, and goals.
  2. Contract & schedule — secure your project slot in 2025; installations are booking fast.
  3. Permitting & equipment procurement — our team handles the paperwork and ensures Qcells panels and battery are ready.
  4. Installation & interconnection — system must be “placed in service” (installed and ready to operate) by December 31, 2025 to qualify for the full 30% credit.
  5. File tax credit (IRS Form 5695) at tax time; keep your receipts and documentation.

Why you shouldn’t delay:

  • Permits in LA-area municipalities often take weeks to months.
  • Utility interconnection can delay final system approval.
  • Suppliers may face lead-times for high-efficiency panels and batteries.
    All of these push project completion into 2026 if you wait too long — and then you miss the tax credit.

State & Battery Incentives: More Reasons to Act Now

Besides the federal credit, homeowners in California can stack additional incentives for battery storage through the Self‑Generation Incentive Program (SGIP):

  • SGIP rebates can vary between $150 to $1,000 per kWh depending on income level, fire-risk zone, or having experienced PSPS events.
  • Applications for the “Residential Solar and Storage Equity” component opened in June 2025.
  • Qualifying for SGIP means your battery system cost could be dramatically reduced or nearly covered — an exceptional value for homeowners wanting backup power.

When you combine:

  • 30% federal credit on the full system cost,
    • SGIP battery rebate (for those eligible)
      You’re getting top-tier value for solar + storage in 2025.

Real-Life Savings Snapshot

Let’s put together a realistic homeowner scenario (Southern California, mid-sized home):

  • System size: 6 kW solar + 10 kWh battery
  • Installed cost: $30,000
  • Federal tax credit (30%): $9,000
  • Advanced battery rebate (SGIP, say ~$500/kWh × 10 = $5,000) (for eligible homeowner)
  • Effective net cost (before utility savings): ~$16,000
  • Annual electricity bill reduction (estimate): $180–$300/month → ~$2,400–$3,600/year
  • Return on investment: On the low end, pay-back in ~5–7 years, then years of “free” power + backup peace of mind
  • Add home value uplift and inflation-protected utility savings: the lifetime value easily exceeds $60,000–$70,000 over 25 years.

Act Before Time Runs Out

  • The 30% federal tax credit for residential solar in 2025 makes this year the top opportunity.
  • For systems installed after December 31, 2025, the full 30% may no longer be available.
  • Southern California homeowners stand to gain significantly thanks to high rates, strong sun, and local rebates like SGIP.
  • Choosing US Power with our exclusive Qcells partnership ensures premium equipment, streamlined process, and factory-direct savings.
  • The calendar is the enemy: to qualify you must sign contract, have installation scheduled, and system commissioned by year’s end.

Time’s up: the 2025 window for the full federal credit is closing. Don’t risk missing out on thousands of dollars in savings—and years of lower electricity bills. Explore a custom solar + battery system with Qcells, and secure your place in our 2025 installation schedule. Your future self will thank you.

Book an appointment to get your FREE solar & battery consultation

We can’t stress this enough — if you want to maximize your savings, now is the time to act. Reach out to us before it’s too late to secure the full 30% solar tax credit. While other incentives may still be available later, none come close to the additional savings you can get with this federal tax benefit.

FAQs: What Homeowners Ask Before Going Solar

Q: Will I still get the 30% credit if system isn’t commissioned until January 2026?
A: No — industry analysis indicates that to get the full 30% credit, system must be placed in service by December 31, 2025.

Q: Can I stack federal credit on top of SGIP rebate?
A: Yes — the federal credit applies to the installation cost, and SGIP is a rebate; stacking is allowed under many circumstances.

Q: My roof is clay tile / odd shape — can I still install?
A: Absolutely. At US Power, we handle roof conditions, tile removal/retro-fits, custom racking and shading analysis.

Q: How long will it take from contract to production?
A: In SoCal today, expect about 8-12 weeks from contract to commissioning if scheduling early in Q4 2025. Delays in placing order, permitting, or getting utility approvals can push you into 2026.

Solar News and Innovations

Published

November 2, 2025

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