With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, 2025, Congress and President Trump have officially voted to end the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) on December 31, 2025. This update marks a significant and accelerated policy shift—one that every homeowner considering solar should act on immediately. What’s Changed Previously, the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit was set to continue through 2032, with a gradual phase-down. That phase-down is now canceled. Instead: The credit ends completely after Dec 31, 2025 There is no safe harbor provision for residential projects To qualify, your system must be both purchased and installed by the end of this year This change leaves just a few months to lock in one of the most impactful homeowner solar incentives in U.S. history. What This Means for Your Solar Investment Here’s what’s at stake: System cost: $25,000–$30,000 (typical range) 30% federal credit: $7,500–$9,000 in potential tax savings Net cost without credit: thousands more out-of-pocket If your system isn’t fully installed by December 31, 2025, you will not be eligible for the credit . Delaying your project by even a few weeks this fall could mean missing out. Bonus Savings: Group Buy + Federal Credit Ends This Year 2025 is also the final year homeowners in Central Wisconsin can combine: The federal 30% tax credit, and The Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy discount program Stacking these two programs can significantly reduce the cost of your system—potentially bringing your out-of-pocket down by $10,000 or more, depending on system size. Why You Need to Act Now Between permitting delays, utility interconnection queues, and installer capacity, time is already tight. As we head into fall, availability will shrink further. To qualify for the credit, your system must be: Fully purchased Fully installed and energized Operational by December 31, 2025 We recommend starting the process no later than ASAP to ensure your system is installed before the deadline. Long-Term Benefits Beyond Tax Credits While the federal tax credit is ending, solar continues to offer long-term value: Lower energy bills from day one Protection from rising utility rates Increased home value and marketability Optional battery storage for energy resilience Clean, renewable energy for your household How Northwind Can Help Northwind Solar has been helping Central Wisconsin families go solar since 2008. We’ll guide you through: A personalized solar design Group Buy eligibility and enrollment Utility paperwork and permitting Timely installation before the deadline Financing options to fit your budget Contact us today to schedule a free solar consultation and lock in your spot before incentives expire. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE

Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program

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Northwind Solar is proud to continue its partnership as the official installer for the 2025 Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program , in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( MREA ). This initiative offers homeowners and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties an exceptional opportunity to invest in solar energy at below-market rates through a limited-time group purchasing program. However, a critical deadline is approaching. Recent legislative developments indicate that the 30% federal Residential Solar Tax Credit —a significant incentive that substantially reduces the cost of solar installations—may expire on December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than previously scheduled. This potential change underscores the urgency for homeowners to act swiftly to secure both the group buy discounts and the federal tax credit. “We’re excited to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” said Woody Bolton, employee-owner at Northwind Solar. “With the possibility of the federal tax credit ending soon, it's more important than ever for our neighbors to take advantage of these combined savings.” The Grow Solar program facilitates community members joining forces to leverage bulk pricing for solar installations, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. The program features free educational events, called Solar Power Hours, which help residents learn about solar energy, how it works, available incentives, and what to expect from an installation. “In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” said Evonne Waugh, program manager at MREA. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.” Since its inception, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has helped over 250 households and businesses make the switch to solar, adding nearly 2 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the local grid and generating millions of kilowatt-hours of renewable power annually. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! ATTEND A SOLAR POWER HOUR INFO SESSION

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