OpinionOpinion |
Dear Eartha, I wanted to install solar on my house, but I heard there was no more tax credit. What does that mean for affordability of solar panels?
If you’ve been considering solar but assumed the opportunity disappeared with the federal incentive, don’t write it off just yet. For many homeowners, solar can still be a great investment. While the loss of the federal tax credit is unfortunate, thanks to new local discounts and long-term energy savings, many residents are still finding that solar makes financial and environmental sense.
What federal tax credit?
For years, homeowners installing solar could claim a federal tax credit worth 30% of the total installation cost. This credit helped millions of households across the country make the switch to clean energy by significantly lowering the cost. But at the beginning of 2026, the solar tax credit was eliminated for new residential installations (business owners take note: the commercial tax credit is still available).
The good news for homeowners? There are other options.
Why solar is still worth considering?
Even without the federal incentive, solar offers several long-term benefits:
Save with Solarize Summit
While the federal credit is gone, the High Country Conservation Center’s Solarize Summit program still helps homeowners simplify the process by connecting them with a vetted installer and providing access to substantial upfront savings through new discounts. In some cases, homeowners can get up to 25% off installation costs — savings that come close to the former federal tax credit. Unlike a tax credit, these discounts are applied upfront, lowering your cost immediately rather than having to wait for next tax season.
But don’t delay. Solarize Summit is a first-come, first-served program with limited spots available. Starting the conversation now gives homeowners time to schedule a free solar assessment, review a custom quote, and determine whether solar makes sense for their home and budget — all before snow starts to fall…unless it’s still Mayuary.
But does solar really work in the mountains?
Absolutely. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, not heat, and Summit County averages approximately 245 sunny days a year. Our community sits at a high elevation with strong sun exposure and cooler temperatures, making solar panels highly efficient.
Snow can temporarily cover panels after a storm, but it typically slides off quickly, especially on pitched roofs. And thanks to Colorado’s abundant sunshine, panels can still produce energy throughout the winter.
Banking excess kilowatt hours
Batteries allow homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it later in the evening or during peak demand periods when electricity is more expensive. As electricity prices continue to rise, more homeowners are choosing to pair solar with batteries to increase savings and gain greater control over how and when they use their carbon-free energy.
Even better, Solarize Summit participants may qualify for additional incentives on battery storage systems, helping reduce the upfront cost.
The sun hasn’t set on solar energy
The end of the 30% federal tax credit marks a major shift for residential solar, but thanks to local programs, upfront discounts, and long-term energy benefits, solar remains a great option for many homeowners.
The economics may look a little different than they did a year ago — but the sun is still shining, electric bills are still arriving every month, and clean energy continues to be one of the best investments many homeowners can make for their homes, wallets, and the environment.
As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.
Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. The full project is expected to cost about $165,000. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.
Position Summary Page designers are responsible for laying out the content of the newspaper in coordination with the editor or…
JOB TITLE: Special Section and Magazine Designer DEPARTMENT: Creative Services ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports to Director of Business Operat…
Finance Director Type: Full Time Salary/Pay Rate: $146,978 – $205,769 Annually DOE Posted Date: 05/04/2026 3:00 PM Deadline to Apply:…
Are you ready to lead a small but fierce team of award-winning journalists in the heart of the Colorado Rockies?…
Do you enjoy working independently in a position where your work experience and people skills can be utilized and valued?…
Employment Opportunities Summit County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. To view a list of our employment opportunities, review…
Furniture Grade Floors LLC seeks Administrative Services Manager in Silverthorne, CO. to plan, direct and coordinate administrative operations supporting floor…
What’s your go-to rainy day activity?
View Results
Jobs
Classifieds
Place Legal Ad
Search Legal Ads
Autos
Real Estate
Rentals
Service Directory
Pets
Merchandise
Farm and Ranch
Recreation
Place Legal Ad
Search Legal Ads
Announcements
Contact us
About us
Submissions
Submit an Obituary
Submit an event
Submit a request to update a crime story
Summit Daily archive
Magazines
Newsletters
Summit Daily E-Edition
Summit County Journal
AP News
Cookie List
Do not sell my personal information
Commercial Print Sales
RSS
Work for us
Aspen – Snowmass
Craig – Moffat County
Glenwood Springs – Rifle
Steamboat Springs – Routt County
Vail – Eagle County
Winter Park – Granby – Grand County
Printing Press Jobs
©2005 – 2026 Swift Communications, Inc.
