Your Roof Can Generate
Income, Not Just Savings

No. The Section 25D residential clean energy credit expired December 31, 2025, following the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" signed July 4, 2025. The commercial ITC (Section 48E) remains available for third-party-owned systems — meaning leases and PPAs still carry the credit benefit. State-level incentives, SRECs, and net metering are now the primary financial drivers, and in strong markets like MA, NJ, and MD, they can deliver equivalent or better total returns.

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) is issued for every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) your solar system generates. You can sell these certificates on state SREC markets. In Massachusetts, the SMART Program provides fixed per-kWh payments. In New Jersey (SuSI program) and Maryland, SREC markets are active. A typical 8kW system in NJ might earn 8 SRECs per year. Depending on current SREC prices, that could add $400–$2,000 in annual income on top of your electricity savings.

Net metering determines how much you're paid for solar energy you export to the grid. Most states currently offer 1:1 retail rate credit — meaning each kWh you send to the grid offsets one kWh you use from it. States are actively reducing these rates: California moved to NEM 3.0 (5–8¢/kWh instead of ~30¢), West Virginia switched to net billing in early 2026, Pennsylvania's PPL is proposing a 60–80% cut. Critically, most states grandfather existing solar customers into current rates for 10–20 years. Installing today can lock in today's favorable rates even after your state changes them for new customers.

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of home batteries that grid operators can call on during peak demand. When demand spikes, the VPP operator pays participating homeowners to discharge their batteries into the grid — reducing strain and earning you money. Programs typically pay $200–$500/year with minimal participation required. VPP programs are projected to double in available states through 2026. A solar-plus-battery system qualifies you to enroll. Your Powur consultant will identify VPP enrollment options in your state at the time of installation.

Several options remain viable: (1) Cash purchase — maximum long-term savings, no financing costs; (2) Solar loan — often $0 down, monthly payments typically below your current electric bill; (3) Lease / PPA — the financing company owns the system and claims the commercial ITC (Section 48E), passing savings to you through a fixed rate below your current utility rate. Each option has different trade-offs for SREC income, VPP participation, and home value. Your free analysis will include a side-by-side comparison.

Yes — and in many markets, the math actually works better now that the industry has been forced to price systems more competitively without the tax credit as a cushion. Panel prices have dropped significantly (around $0.25/W at wholesale). The end of the tax credit removed the ability of installers to inflate prices knowing the government would offset a third. In states with strong net metering, SRECs, and VPP programs — particularly MA, NJ, MD, CT, and IL — total financial returns over 25 years remain very strong. The key is understanding your state's specific programs, which is exactly what your free analysis covers.