Solar Remains a Smart Investment

Sunnova and Mosaic were major players in the residential solar market, offering financing and installation services across the country. Both companies recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, largely due to business model risks—not because of issues with solar technology itself.

Their challenges stemmed from a combination of:

• Rapid expansion funded by high-risk debt
• Rising interest rates increasing borrowing costs
• Regulatory shifts and inconsistent state-level support
• Poorly vetted installations and customer service issues

It’s important to remember: these were financial and operational failures—not a failure of solar energy or the clean energy transition.

With the passing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law, the phase‑out of the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (under Section 25D) has been acerated. Instead of being available through 2032 as previously planned under the Inflation Reduction Act, the credit now expires after December 31, 2025. To take advantage of this credit, homeowners must have solar systems installed and operational by the end of this year. Meanwhile, commercial solar (including systems under leases and PPAs) still qualifies for a 30 % credit, but only if construction begins by late 2027, and must comply with stricter “Made‑in‑USA” supply‑chain rules.

Despite the recent headlines, solar energy remains one of the most reliable and impactful home upgrades available today. Here’s why:

• Lower electric bills: Solar helps reduce or even eliminate your electricity costs, it’s estimated that the average US household can expect to save around $1,500 on their electricity bills annually. (source)
• Stable long-term savings: Solar protects you from rising utility rates. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration electricity prices have increase 2.85% per yea in the U.S. for the past 25 years.
• Increased home value: Homes with solar often appraise for more.
• Reliable technology: Panels typically come with 25+ year warranties and require little maintenance.
• Incentives still available: The 30% federal tax credit is still active through 2025, and many states offer additional programs to help make your system more affordable. Find incentives in your area here.

At Clean Energy Credit Union, we take a fundamentally different approach to clean energy lending. We’re a not-for-profit, federally insured credit union—not a venture-backed company trying to grow at all costs. That means our focus is on financial stability, mission alignment, and protecting our members.

Here’s how our solar lending process stands apart:

• We Only Work with Registered Dealers
  • We require that all projects financed through our credit union be installed by a contractor who is part of our Registered Dealer program. To join this program, installers must submit their financials, site plans, contracts, and proof of good standing. We carefully review these materials and meet with each installer to understand their business model and processes. If, based on our evaluation, we determine they are a credible company, they are added to our Registered Dealer list.
• We Review Each Project Before Funding
  • We review every installation plan and contract in-house, which helps ensure that the system is designed properly and fairly priced.
• Transparent, Fixed-Rate Loans
  • Our solar loans are simple, straightforward, and designed to help more people access clean energy—without hidden fees or confusing terms. We don’t rely on risky financial structures or push sales quotas.
• Backed by a Mission
  • Because we’re member-owned and mission-driven, we prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Every dollar we lend helps people break up with fossil fuels—and our model ensures we can keep doing that for decades to come.

If you’re considering solar for your home, act fast:

• Get quotes and confirm installation before Dec 31, 2025 to capture that 30 percent savings (roughly $9,000 on a $30k system)
• Want a lease or PPA? Those can still benefit from the credit through 2027—so explore those deals too.
• For businesses or landlords, start construction before the 2027 deadline and ensure your panels meet the new sourcing rules.

We know that navigating clean energy decisions can feel overwhelming—especially when industry news raises concerns. If you have questions about solar financing or want to talk about your clean energy goals, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

At Clean Energy Credit Union, our mission is to help people affordably finance clean energy upgrades—safely, responsibly, and transparently. We’re not just weathering this storm. We were built for it.