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EnergySage's Latest Insights into the Solar & Storage Market

The recently released 21st edition of EnergySage's Intel: Solar & Storage Marketplace Report casts a comprehensive light on the initial months of 2025 for the U.S. residential solar sector. Compiled from millions of data points collected from homeowners nationwide, the report reveals an uneven yet dynamic landscape amidst changing federal policies and rising trade barriers affecting solar energy financing.

Overview of Key Findings

During the first half of 2025, the momentum from 2024's record-low prices shifted slightly, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Homeowner interest in solar solutions remains robust despite the current landscape's complexities. Here are the critical takeaways:

1. Modern Price Landscape: Residential solar prices have sustained their historic lows, pegged at $2.48 per watt. Installers have deftly absorbed financing cost pressures instead of passing those onto clients. This cautious approach indicates a strategic maneuver as contractors brace for forthcoming policy certainties. However, the storage sector did witness a slight increase, with costs for storage components rising by 4% due to tariffs on Chinese batteries, breaking a two-year slump.

Emily Walker, EnergySage's director of insights, emphasizes the importance of public policy in maintaining accessibility to solar energy for homeowners. "With the right legislative support, solar energy remains within reach for many, and the trend is likely to continue," she explains.

2. Shifting Financing Models: The report notes a significant pivot in financing dynamics, with median loan rates hitting 7.5%. This change has led 38% of contractors to report dwindling demand for traditional loans, as consumers seek alternative financing avenues. Interestingly, cash purchases have either stabilized or increased, reflecting changing consumer behavior influenced by interest rates.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may reshape the financing landscape further, especially in terms of tax credit protections for third-party ownership (TPO) models, which are projected to experience significant growth next year.

3. Contractor Concerns and Industry Responsiveness: A substantial majority of contractors are grappling with anxiety over impending challenges: 92% voice concerns regarding the expiration of the federal solar tax credit, while 70% anticipate adverse effects from equipment tariffs. Notably, 36% of contractors report diminished profitability, underscoring how fast-changing financial conditions are influencing the market landscape.

Walker states, "With the evolving financial climate, contractors must recalibrate their business models to retain competitive advantages. Embracing innovation in outreach and value proposition will be critical moving forward."

A Decade of Insight and the Future Ahead

For ten years, the Solar & Storage Marketplace Report has served as an invaluable resource, illuminating trends in customer preferences, equipment pricing, and more in the U.S. residential solar domain.

Josh Levine, EnergySage’s chief marketing officer, comments on the current pivotal moment, saying, "Homeowners are eager to adopt solar, but contractors must prepare for the impending ramifications of the OBBBA." As the industry prepares for this significant shift, EnergySage reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted resource for both homeowners and industry professionals.

The 21st report aims to enhance accessibility and affordability of clean energy solutions. Interested parties can download the full report at energysage.com/data, and for further queries, the company invites stakeholders to connect via email for additional insights and information.

About EnergySage, Inc.

EnergySage is designed to facilitate an intuitive online shopping experience for solar energy solutions, striving to empower users with reliable information and expert guidance. For more on how to transition into clean energy, visit EnergySage’s website and follow their social media channels for updates and resources.