The Solar Tax Credit Is Ending: Birchy’s Guide On How to Stay Profitable
The solar tax credit is going away and net metering is disappearing while fossil fuel subsidies remain untouched.
And once again, it’s solar professionals who stand to lose the most.
But we don’t have to wait for policy to catch up — the solutions already exist and we can put them to work now.
In Australia, a 7kW solar system with battery storage costs just $14,000, and solar businesses can quote, sell, and install within 24 hours. In the U.S., the same system averages $36,000, weighed down by permitting delays and bloated overhead.
That gap can be closed and it starts with us.
US Pros: Here’s how we move forward
- Automate permitting
Permitting bottlenecks drain your time and margins. Tools like SolarAPP+ are already approved and allow fast-track installations. No red tape and no drawn-out timelines. - Lower hardware costs
Begin with a smaller battery and scale over time. Use OpenSolar to optimize each install, cut rework, and reduce costs across the board. - Reduce customer acquisition costs
Quick installs mean fewer cancellations and community-based referrals often outperform high-cost sales teams. OpenSolar helps you streamline proposals and automate follow-ups, keeping your cost to serve low. - Cut overhead
Automate quoting, ordering, invoicing, and project tracking in one place. Eliminate the extra software that eats into your profit.
OpenSolar will always be free
We created OpenSolar to serve professionals like you. Our end-to-end solar software is free to use and it always will be, supporting your team from lead to install.
Now’s the time to refine your operations, lower your costs, and grow with confidence. We’re here to help you thrive in a subsidy-free future.The tools are ready. The roadmap is clear.
It’s time for us to take action and be in control of our own destiny.
— Birchy
CEO & Solar Economist, OpenSolar
