Those looking to take advantage of a federal tax credit on solar panel installation don't have much time left.

As a result of the budget bill passed earlier this year, the solar tax credit now expires at the end of 2025. So, as KTVU reports, "if you're on the fence about getting solar for your home, it's time now to get off the fence."

Solar panels allow people to bring clean, low-cost energy to their homes. It's clean because creating the energy doesn't require the burning of any pollution-creating dirty energy sources like coal or gas. It's low-cost because it taps into the sun, a free resource available to us all, bringing monthly energy bills down to sometimes near zero.

And, as KTVU reports, utility companies are hiking their rates by as much as 50%, making those monthly savings from solar even more enticing.

If you are considering getting solar panels, time is of the essence before that 30% tax credit expires. EnergySage offers free tools that allow homeowners to compare quotes from local, verified installers, helping you find the right company that can get your installation done in time.

To receive the federal tax credit, your at-home installation needs to be complete by the end of the year. And that means installation needs to be scheduled well before then.

"No later than the end of October if we need to get it installed by the last day of the year," EarthWise Energy's Jason Hamilton told KTVU.

Hamilton added that, starting next year, renewable-energy installation will be even more expensive than most people expect. Not only will the solar tax credit be gone, Hamilton said, but tariffs are likely to make solar panels and wind-power equipment more costly.

All of that is another good reason to check out EnergySage's offerings soon. In particular, it offers a free mapping tool that shows, at a state level, the average cost of solar installation and the incentives that are available. By using its tools, EnergySage says that the average homeowner can save up to $10,000 on upfront solar costs.

To really amplify the monthly savings and further reduce a home's reliance on dirty fuels, homeowners can pair their solar panels with other electric appliances, like an energy-efficient heat pump. EnergySage also offers a price-comparison tool for heat-pump installations, so you can find the right system to fit your budget.

What's the biggest factor preventing you from investing in solar power? The cost 🫰 Roof orientation or integrity 🏠 I don't own a home 🤷 I already have solar panels 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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