How the "Big Beautiful Bill" Affects HVAC & Residential Solar

In July 2025, a new federal law nicknamed the "Big Beautiful Bill" was signed into effect, bringing big changes to home energy incentives. Officially called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), this ends key federal tax credits for residential HVAC upgrades and solar installations at the end of 2025.

These credits have now expired. Below we break down what changed and how it impacts homeowners looking to install a heat pump or solar panels going forward.

The Residential Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (Section 25C) - which many homeowners used for HVAC improvements like heat pumps, efficient furnaces, insulation, and windows - was sunset earlier than expected.

This credit covered 30% of the cost of qualifying home upgrades (with caps up to $3,200 per year). Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, 25C was originally available through 2032. The new bill cuts that timeline: any improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025 won't qualify for the federal 25C credit.

The 25C Federal tax credit, most commonly used for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, is gone after 2025.

Home solar incentives saw a similar rollback. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) - the 30% federal solar tax credit for installing solar panels, home batteries, solar water heaters, and similar systems - expired at the end of 2025, much earlier than planned. This credit has been a cornerstone of solar affordability, giving homeowners a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction equal to 30% of their solar installation cost. Under previous law (the IRA), the 30% solar credit was set to continue into the 2030s. The Big Beautiful Bill accelerated its end by nearly a decade. Systems installed after December 31, 2025 receive no federal solar tax credit.

The 25D Federal tax credit for residential solar is gone after 2025.

Both credits created or expanded by the IRA ended on an identical schedule: no new residential credits after December 31, 2025 for solar or efficient HVAC upgrades. Homeowners who completed installations in 2025 can still claim these credits when filing their 2025 taxes.

Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for these federal credits, barring new legislation.

Higher upfront costs: A $30,000 solar system that previously cost about $21,000 after the 30% credit now costs the full $30,000. A $10,000 heat pump no longer benefits from the $2,000 credit.

Longer payback period: Removing the credits means a longer time to recoup the cost of solar and efficient HVAC systems.

The deadline has passed: The federal credits expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who completed installations in 2025 can still claim the credits on their 2025 tax returns. New installations in 2026 do not qualify.

Alternative incentives remain: State, city, and utility rebate programs are not affected by the federal changes. Xcel Energy rebates, Power Ahead Colorado ($1,500, no income limit), and the Colorado state tax credit continue. Colorado HEAR rebates are income-qualified and closed statewide: Front Range funds ran out April 28, 2026, and the rest of the state closed August 1, 2026.

While the federal tax credits have ended, state and utility rebates remain available. UniColorado has been designing and installing heat pump systems in Colorado for over a decade. Unlike many contractors who place rebate risks and waiting periods on homeowners, we immediately apply your Xcel rebate as an upfront discount, saving you money from day one.

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Xcel Rebates Applied Upfront

We deduct your Xcel rebate directly from the invoice. No waiting, no paperwork.

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