As a major tax and budget reconciliation bill advances through Congress, Roaring Fork Valley energy independence advocates are keeping close watch on one of its provisions: dismantling residential energy tax credits.

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which amid calling for $700 billion in cuts to Medicaid includes eradicating a 30% tax credit for solar installations and battery storage systems, passed the House last week and now goes before the Senate.

“This bill is a knife in the back to every family who’s done the right thing — saved up, invested in their home, and tried to be part of the energy solution,” Scott Ely, president of Sunsense Solar in Carbondale, said. “And it’s catastrophic for local installers like us who do the work and live in these communities.”

The 25D and 25C federal residential energy tax credits are cornerstones of affordability for homeowners installing solar energy systems and heat pumps. According to Ely, the elimination of the 25D Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit would significantly restrict homeowners’ ability to own solar energy systems and batteries outright.

Without a 30% tax credit for solar, customers would largely be funneled into lease agreements with corporate providers that still qualify for commercial tax benefits. This shift not only limits consumer choice but also places undue financial strain on residents who want to invest in energy resilience and long-term savings, according to energy sustainability advocates.

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency based in Basalt is stepping in to help residents navigate the uncertainty.

“There’s a narrow window to secure these federal incentives,” said Jami McMannes, CORE Communications and Engagement manager. “We’re here to help people understand what they qualify for and how to apply before those doors close.”

CORE is also offering energy coaching and incentive stacking services to ensure that local residents can make the most of whatever programs remain.

McMannes said CORE does recognize that there are uncertainties in our current policy environment, which can create challenges for our communities and neighbors planning energy efficiency investments. 

“If the tax credit were eliminated, the change could significantly impact both customer purchasing decisions and the green workforce that installs these solutions,” McMannes said. “While policy changes create challenges, the underlying need for energy efficiency remains strong in our community. We’re fortunate to serve communities that are committed to preserving our environment for today and for the future. “

She said CORE updates its service options regularly to adapt to its environment and will continue to do so to be the most effective resource for our community that it can.

“We’ll adapt and continue to move forward, working within whatever policy framework exists to help our neighbors achieve their energy efficiency goals,” McMannes said.

If Congress proceeds with the repeal, small solar businesses across the valley, many of which belong to cooperatives like Amicus Solar, warn that they may not survive the economic impact, especially when the addition of Trump’s tariffs is taken into consideration. 

These companies argue that the legislation undermines American energy independence, increases long-term grid costs, and hands over the clean energy market to multinational leasing firms.

According to estimates from the Joint Committee on Taxation, eliminating 25D saves only $12.5 billion over four years, but sacrifices more than 100,000 jobs across the solar installation and construction sectors.

“We need a national strategy that empowers people, not one that strips them of their agency to generate and store their own power,” Ely said. “The message this bill sends is, if you’re not a multinational energy company, step aside.”

CORE can be reached at 970-925-9775 or visit its website at https://www.aspencore.org.