Republican solar cuts raise your electric bill, threaten US energy/AI dominance
House republicans passed their tax bill, which promises to inflate costs for Americans and channel money from the middle class to billionaires, all while sending jobs to China.
But that’s not the only bad stuff that’s in the bill – it will also inflate your electricity costs and threaten a recent boom in solar installations that is helping to grow domestic energy production and feed power-hungry data centers for AI.
The tax bill eliminates popular solar credits that had helped American homeowners to save money on their electricity bills. The main credit in question is the 30% residential solar tax credit, often known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
The credit for homeowners would be sunset at the end of this year, if the bill passes the Senate. The commercial credit would sunset more slowly, but faster than the current law.
Not only does the ITC help homeowners to save thousands of dollars while cutting their electricity bill, it also helps overall electricity costs, even for those who don’t have home solar.
The republican bill will raise your electricity costs
The Clean Energy Buyers Association released a report earlier this year showing how repealing solar credit would raise the average American’s electricity bills by 7% by 2026, the equivalent of a $110 yearly increase. And for businesses, electricity bills will increase by about 10% – higher costs that will then be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for consumer goods.
The credits had been helping to fuel a boom in US energy installations. In the first months of this year, 98% of new US electrical generation capacity came from wind and solar, as a result of how relatively quick and easy it is to install wind and solar projects as compared to other generation methods.
It’s particularly important for the US to add more electrical generation capacity at the moment, because two electricity-hungry industries are rapidly scaling up: AI and electric cars.
The US needs more electricity, and fast
Electric cars actually save energy compared to gas cars, and are 4-6x more efficient per unit energy. However, since gas cars aren’t fueled by electricity, energy delivery will have to shift away from gasoline and towards electrical distribution.
So more electrical generation capacity needs to be added in order to unlock the potential energy efficiency gains (and thus cost savings) from fleet electrification.
AI isn’t quite so energy-saving. An AI search uses 30x more energy than a traditional search, and gives less accurate results.
Despite this, US tech companies and the government consider it important to develop AI rapidly, in order to be on the cutting edge of technology.
So, there has been a massive expansion of data centers in the US, and those data centers need electricity to run. It has contributed to global shortages of electricity and increased rates.
Many of these data centers are trying to find green sources of energy in order to offset their wasteful overuse of resources, or at least to greenwash it. So companies have been installing solar, wind, or investigating the possibility of small modular nuclear reactors, which are highly energetic and also zero-carbon, but much more expensive than renewables.
And solar, as mentioned above, is a rapidly deployable electricity generation method, and can often leverage already underutilized space (i.e. rooftops) to help confront today’s energy challenges.
The bill surrenders both points to China
On both of these points, EVs and AI, cutting solar installations will only help to cede ground to China.
By disincentivizing a generation method that can be deployed rapidly, it will make it more difficult to electrify the US fleet, which means US manufacturers will probably spend less focus on EVs (more on that here).
This is not happening in China, which is rapidly transforming its car industry to confront the transition to EVs, and recently became the world’s largest auto exporter due to intransigence from the rest of the world’s auto industry (and through the West handing wins to China with ill-considered policy).
Also, China is rapidly advancing its own AI tech, which it says is more efficient than ours (but that may not be true). Making electricity more expensive for companies, and making it harder for companies to install the generation capacity they need to fuel their data centers, will only serve to choke the industry compared to its international competitors.
Solar industry responds
The Solar Energy Industry of America responded, with similar points that we’ve brought up here.
“If Congress does not change course, this legislation will upend an economic boom in this country that has delivered an historic American manufacturing renaissance, lower electric bills, hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, and tens of billions of dollars of investments primarily to states that voted for President Trump.
“This unworkable legislation is willfully ignorant of the fact that deploying solar and storage is the only way the U.S. power grid can meet the demand of American consumers, businesses, and innovation. If this bill becomes law, America will effectively surrender the AI race to China and communities nationwide will face blackouts.
“But that’s not all: Americans’ electric bills will soar. Hundreds of factories will close. Hundreds of billions of dollars in local investments will vanish. Hundreds of thousands of people will lose their jobs. Families will lose the freedom to control their energy costs. And our electric grid will be destabilized.
“It’s not too late for Congress to get this right. The solar and storage industry is ready to get to work with the U.S. Senate on a more thoughtful and measured approach to unleashing true American energy dominance to create a brighter future for all Americans.”
-Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
This can change, if the Senate has a spine
From here, the tax bill goes on to the Senate, where it could be modified to take out these poison pills that inflate costs for Americans and threaten US competitiveness globally. The Senate is often though of as a more deliberative body which can tamp down on the excesses of the House, though it failed to do so in another republican anti-clean-air effort today.
If you have a republican Senator, it might be worth letting them know that you support lower electricity costs and keeping America competitive, and therefore that you oppose the anti-solar measures in this bill.
The argument could be made stronger in states that have received significant investment for battery plants, which are important for grid and home storage as backup for solar systems. Battery projects are particularly popular in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and others along the burgeoning US “battery belt”.
To make a comment,, you can find your Senator on Congress’ website, and then search for the contact form on your Senator’s website to get in contact with them.
Of course, if you have a Democratic Senator, it’s also worth letting them know that you oppose the tax bill, just in case a few of them decide to jump ranks and join the republicans in harming America. We certainly hope they don’t, and are encouraged by the fact that every Democrat in the House made the right decision here, but anything could happen.
If the rooftop solar credit is going away, it means you could have only until the end of this year to install rooftop solar on your home, before republicans raise the cost of doing so by an average of ~$10,000. So if you want to go solar, get started now, because these things take time and the system needs to be active before you file for the credit.
To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. – ad*
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Enel North America and food and snacks giant Mars have signed a massive clean energy deal that will power up Mars’s operations with Texas solar.
The two companies completed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the full output – all 851 megawatts (MW) – of three Texas solar farms. Together, those plants are expected to deliver 1.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. That makes this Enel’s largest corporate PPA worldwide.
Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America, said the deal “shows how renewables are among the fastest and most affordable solutions to meet the nation’s energy needs. Through these agreements, we’re adding clean capacity to the Texas grid while supporting a leading manufacturer’s sustainability goals.”
For Mars, the move goes beyond just greening its own factories. Kevin Rabinovitch, global VP of sustainability at Mars, explained that this PPA “lets us bring demand for all the electricity used in our value chain to the clean energy market in a highly efficient manner. The more demand we create together, the faster we can build the future we all want.”
All three solar farms will use sheep grazing to manage vegetation, a dual-use practice Enel has scaled through the largest solar grazing agreement in the US.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Lease deals get all the headlines, but 75% of new car buyers still finance their cars, indicating that they want to own their vehicles once the payments are done. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been holding out for relief from sky-high payments, a wave of new EVs are now available with 0% financing — making it one of the best months yet to buy a new EV.
Every month, Electrek readers looking for great deals on a new EV flock to our lease deal posts. Recently, however, the comments have been asking another crucial question: what about EV deals for the people who want to buy, instead of leas?
You asked, we listened. This roundup is for that 75% of new car buyers who choose to finance their cars instead of lease — so here’s a list of all the 0% financing deals on EVs you can get in September, 2025.
As I put this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. In the end, I decided to present these deals in alphabetical order, by brand name (make). And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
New for the 2024 model year, the Acura ZDX uses GM Ultium battery and drive technology, but the styling, interior, and infotainment are all Honda, delivering GM-level parts support with Honda-level fit, finish, and quality. Add in standard Apple CarPlay support, 0% financing for up to 72 months, and $7,500 customer cash through September 30th, and the ZDX becomes easily one of the best sporty crossover values on the market.
Chevy Equinox EV
With an impressive combination of affordability, practicality, and advanced features, the Chevy Equinox is a standout EV. And with an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles and a starting price under $35,000, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealer lots.
For well-qualified buyers, Chevrolet is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months through GM Financial through September 30th. That offer can be paired with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit (which you can claim at the dealer), along with up to $1,250 in additional discounts for Costco members, depending on membership level.
Dodge Charger
Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with some extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest muscle car on the dealer’s lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood.
For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger with up to 670 battery-backed horsepower. And if you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with a $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months — and that’s before any dealer discounts.
Ford F-150 Lightning
America’s best-selling electric truck offers V2x technology, a nationwide dealer network, a universe of aftermarket accessories, and a look that blends into the crowd. This month, this proven pickup adds 0% interest financing for up to 72 months. Ford Pro customer can get access to advanced telematics and, in some cases, even get help sourcing additional grants and rebates, too.
GMC Hummer EV
The biggest of GM’s Ultium-based EVs are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration, plus on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members. So, if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
GMC Sierra EV
In addition to offering a solid Powerwall alternative, these big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s “three letter bandit” commercial brand are just as impressive as their Hummer stablemates, but one-up the Hummers with heavy-duty towing prowess and the added capability of bidirectional charging baked in. And, like the Hummer, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of Denali and AT4 model Sierra EVs with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members.
Honda Prologue
Like the Acura ZDX at the top of this list, the Honda Prologue was blends the excellent GM Ultium EV platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the top-selling electric crossovers — and to move out as many as possible before the $7,500 federal tax credit goes away, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 60 plus up to an additional $2,000 in Honda Loyalty or Conquest cash.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
The last of the streamliners, the IONIQ 6 has influences from Ferry Porsche and Raymond Loewy without looking like a copy of either. In addition to being a future classic, it’s efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and (now through the end of the month), can be financed with 0% interest for up to 48 months or $7,500 in customer bonus cash on all trims.
If you’re flexible on color, Hyundai dealers with “aged inventory” will give you an extra $1,000, for $8,500 total incentive dollars on your IONIQ 6.
Jeep Wagoneer S
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with a sloping roof and spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past that minor caveat, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver. With $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months before dealer discounts through September 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best EV deal going.
Kia Niro EV
Kia is doing a phenomenal job moving its supercar-baiting EV6 and ultra-capable EV9 family trucksters, but the under-mentioned and underrated little Niro EV seems like it could use a little help. To that end, Kia is offering 0% interest financing or up to $7,500 customer cash on select examples of the little urban runabout now through September 30th.
Nissan Ariya
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months or up to $10,000 Customer Cash (that’s not a typo) undecided EV buyers could do a lot worse than to give the Ariya a chance to win them over.
Polestar 3
Sleek, Scandinavian, and seriously quick, the Polestar 3 is the lovechild of Swedish brand Volvo and Chinese brand Geely’s billions. As such, it delivers both Scandinavian style and high-tech substance with dual-motor power, a minimalistic, luxurious cabin, and Android Auto baked right in. The Polestar 3 was designed to turn heads while keeping daily driving effortless, and through the month of September, it’s sure to turn even more heads with 0% financing for up to 72 months through Polestar Financial Services and a $10,000 Clean Vehicle Incentive in some markets.
Put it all together, and the Polestar 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium EV SUV deals of the month.
Subaru Solterra
The first-ever electric Subaru had a rocky start (no pun intended), but this off-road-ready sibling of the Toyota bZ4X seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and left-leaning granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your inflatables out to the pond. Add in 227 miles of range, some big discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.
Volkswagen ID.4
One of the most popular legacy EVs both in the US and Europe, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and zippy around-town handling. Everyone I know who has one loves it, and VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,000 customer cash. You’ll need to do some math to see which offer works best for you.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 15SEP2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard lines of “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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EV charging networks SWTCH Energy and FLO have signed a roaming agreement that lets drivers charge on either network with just one app, removing the need to juggle multiple accounts or payment methods.
One of the biggest frustrations for EV owners is charging network fragmentation. Using multiple apps and memberships makes it clunky and time-consuming for drivers to plug in, especially on road trips. This new agreement gives drivers access to tens of thousands of chargers on SWTCH and FLO’s networks.
If you’re using the SWTCH or FLO app, you can now see and use chargers from both networks. Your existing payment method works across the board, and expanded charger visibility makes trip planning easier. That should mean a smoother, more consistent experience.
SWTCH CEO Carter Li said, “SWTCH users now have access to more than 70,000 chargers across North America. We’re creating the seamless, integrated charging ecosystem that drivers deserve.” FLO CEO Louis Tremblay added that FLO’s roaming agreements already give its members access to more than 110,000 public chargers, and teaming up with SWTCH further strengthens that coverage.
Both companies already have roaming deals with other charging networks in Canada and the US.
Read more: FLO’s new Ultra DC fast chargers can charge EVs to 80% in 15 minutes
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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