Don't Wait Until 2026: Why Now Is the Time to Install Solar Batteries

The clock is ticking on one of the most valuable incentives for home energy storage – and waiting could cost you thousands.

As we approach the end of 2025, homeowners across the country are facing a critical deadline that could significantly impact their energy independence goals. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for battery storage systems is set to expire on December 31, 2025, which means installations completed after January 1, 2026, will cost 30% more out of pocket.

What This Means for Your Wallet

The federal tax credit currently allows you to claim 30% of your battery installation costs as a direct credit on your federal taxes. For a typical FranklinWH whole home battery system costing $20,000, that's a $6,000 savings. Without this incentive, that same system will effectively cost you $6,000 more starting January 1st.

Here's a real-world comparison:

• Install by December 31, 2025: $20,000 system - $6,000 Federal Tax Credit (FTC) = $14,000 net cost

• Install after January 1, 2026: $20,000 system - $0 tax credit = $20,000 net cost

That's a 43% increase in your actual cost – $6,000 that could stay in your pocket if you act now.

Additional Price Examples

Mid-Size Custom AC-Coupled System:

• Total Cost: $16,500

• Federal Tax Credit: $4,950

• Your Net Cost in 2025: $11,550

• Your Cost in 2026: $16,500

• Savings by Acting Now: $4,950

Large Whole Home System:

• Total Cost: $24,000

• Federal Tax Credit: $7,200

• Your Net Cost in 2025: $16,800

• Your Cost in 2026: $24,000

• Savings by Acting Now: $7,200

Why Battery Storage Makes Sense Beyond the Savings

While the tax credit creates urgency, the fundamental benefits of battery storage make it a smart long-term investment:

Energy Security: Power outages are becoming more frequent due to aging infrastructure and extreme weather. A battery backup system keeps your essential appliances running when the grid goes down.

Peak Shaving: Store energy during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, then use that stored power during expensive peak times. This can dramatically reduce your monthly electric bills.

Solar Optimization: If you already have solar panels, our custom-designed batteries capture excess energy produced during the day for use in the evening when your panels aren't generating power. Our AC-coupled solutions work with any existing solar system, regardless of brand or age.

Grid Independence: Reduce your reliance on utility companies and protect yourself from rising electricity rates.

The Installation Timeline Challenge

Here's what many homeowners don't realize: you can't simply decide on December 30th to install a battery system and claim the credit. The installation must be completed and operational before the end of the year.

A typical battery installation timeline includes:

• Initial consultation and custom system design: 1-2 weeks

• Permit applications and approvals: 2-4 weeks

• Equipment procurement: 1-3 weeks (depending on availability)

• Installation and inspection: 1-2 weeks

Total timeline: 5-11 weeks minimum

This means if you want to take advantage of the 30% tax credit, you need to start the process now – not in November or December.

What Solar Repower Customers Are Saying

"Solar Repower designed a custom FranklinWH system that works perfectly with our 8-year-old solar installation. During the summer outages, our entire home stayed powered – even the AC and pool pump. The $6,000 tax credit made the decision easy." – Sarah M., Concord

"I was worried about adding batteries to our existing system, but Solar Repower's custom AC-coupled design integrated seamlessly. We didn't have to change anything about our current solar setup, and now we have complete backup power. Saving nearly $5,000 with the FTC was the icing on the cake." – Mike R., Walnut Creek

Custom Solutions Designed for Your Home

At Solar Repower, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every home has unique electrical infrastructure and solar configurations, which is why we provide custom designed battery systems that seamlessly integrate with your existing setup.

FranklinWH Whole Home Systems: Our flagship solution offering complete home backup with intelligent load management. These systems are engineered to work with most any existing solar installation and can power your entire home during outages, not just select circuits.

Custom AC-Coupled Configurations: For homes with existing solar installations, we design inverter-battery combinations that perfectly complement your current system. Our AC-coupling approach means we can add battery backup to virtually any solar setup without modifying your existing solar inverters or panels.

Tailored Integration: Our engineering team analyzes your current electrical panel, solar production data, and energy usage patterns to design a system that maximizes both backup capability and daily energy savings. Whether you have string inverters, power optimizers, or microinverters, we create solutions that work seamlessly with your infrastructure.

Don't Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good

Many homeowners delay battery installation because they're waiting for the "perfect" system or hoping prices will drop further. However, with the tax credit expiring, waiting will cost you significantly more than any potential future price reductions.

Battery technology has matured to the point where today's systems offer:

• 10+ year warranties

• Proven reliability and safety records

• Smart integration with existing solar systems

• Advanced monitoring and control features

Take Action Today

The math is simple: acting now saves you 30% compared to waiting until next year. But beyond the financial incentive, installing a battery system provides immediate benefits for your family's comfort, security, and energy independence.

Ready to secure your 30% tax credit? Contact Solar Repower today for a free consultation. Our engineering team will assess your existing electrical infrastructure and solar system, then design a custom battery solution that integrates perfectly with your setup – all completed well before the December 31st deadline.

Don't let this opportunity power down – your future self will thank you for taking action today.

Solar Repower is your trusted partner for solar and battery installations throughout California. Contact us at [phone number] or visit [website] to schedule your free battery consultation. Licensed, bonded, and committed to powering your energy independence.