Act Now—Your Last Chance at Energy-Efficiency Tax Breaks Under the One Big Beautiful Bill

09.12.25 11:14 PM By Michael D'Amato, CPA

Introduction
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law on July 4, 2025, reshapes the landscape of federal clean energy incentives. If you have been planning solar upgrades, electric vehicle purchases, or energy-efficient home improvements, time is running out to claim tax credits before they vanish—or face stricter new rules.


What’s Ending—and When

  • Residential Clean Energy & Home Appliance Credits
    Credits like the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D)—covering solar panels, wind, geothermal, and battery systems—and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (formerly Section 25C)—including improvements and appliances—will expire on December 31, 2025.
  • Federal EV Tax Credit
    The federal tax credit for both new and used electric vehicles will end on September 30, 2025.
  • EV Charging Station Credit (Section 30C)
    This credit—for installing EV charging equipment—must now be placed in service by June 30, 2026, to qualify.
  • Commercial Solar & Wind Credits (Sections 48E & 45Y)
    These clean energy credits for larger projects will terminate after December 31, 2027, unless construction begins by July 4, 2026—triggering new IRS guidance requiring substantial physical progress under Treasury’s executive order. 
  • Commercial Vehicle Clean Energy Credit (Section 45W)
    This credit for clean commercial vehicles must be claimed by September 30, 2025
  • Commercial Vehicle Clean Energy Credit (Section 45W)


Why These Deadlines Matter

The IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) originally offered extended tax incentives for renewable energy and efficiency through the 2030s. The OBBB act significantly accelerates those deadlines—ending residential incentives as early as 2025 and placing strict timelines on commercial projects, scaling back momentum for clean energy adoption.



Planning Tips for Homeowners & Businesses

  • Homeowners
    If you are considering solar installations, energy-efficient appliances, or EV purchases, ensure everything is installed and commissioned before the December 31, 2025, deadline to secure your tax credits.
  • EV Buyers
    New and used EVs must be purchased and placed in service on or before September 30, 2025, to qualify.
  • Installing EV Chargers?
    You have until June 30, 2026, to complete the installation and claim the credit.
  • Commercial Developers
    Act quickly: begin sizable clean energy projects by July 4, 2026, with substantial physical work, to meet the safe-harbor construction requirement and qualify into 2027.


Bottom Line

The One Big Beautiful Bill marks a strong pivot away from clean energy incentives. Whether you are upgrading your home or managing large-scale green energy projects, now is the time to move—or risk losing potentially thousands in tax savings. Talk to your tax advisor or contractor immediately to align your plans with the new, tighter timelines.