SolarBank Stays Strong as Trump’s Clean Energy Rollbacks Loom
Disseminated on behalf of SolarBank Corporation
The U.S. House of Representatives proposes rollbacks to key clean energy programs, which raises questions across the sector. Among the targeted provisions are the residential solar tax credit and funding elements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—a landmark climate package that helped spark record investment in clean energy over the past two years.
The proposal suggests ending the 30% federal residential solar tax credit by the end of 2025. This is nearly 10 years sooner than expected. This policy change could greatly affect companies in the solar industry.
Understanding the Proposed Policy Change
The residential solar tax credit, or Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is Section 25D of the U.S. Tax Code. It lets homeowners claim 30% of the cost of installing solar panels. This credit appears on their federal tax returns.
The credit, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, was to last until 2032. It will start to decrease gradually in 2033. The schedule is below. However, the new proposal aims to terminate this credit by December 31, 2025.
Experts warn that this sudden change might raise costs for consumers. It could also lower demand for residential solar installations and lead to job losses in the sector. Small solar installation businesses often rely on credit for competitive pricing. This makes them especially vulnerable.
The solar industry has expressed strong opposition to the proposed cuts. Many stakeholders say the tax credit has helped grow residential solar. It creates jobs and promotes energy independence.
The Solar Energy Industries Association says the residential solar market has grown 10x in the last ten years. The tax credit has played a big part in this growth.
The proposal passed the House Ways and Means Committee. However, it still has many hurdles to clear before it can become law. Some lawmakers, including Republicans from areas that benefit from clean energy investments, are worried about the possible negative effects of the cuts.
The final outcome will depend on negotiations in both the House and Senate.
Policy Uncertainty and Its Limits
For many solar developers, these changes could signal uncertainty and disruption. For SolarBank, a developer focused on community and commercial-scale solar (as opposed to residential solar installations), the path forward remains steady. This is due to careful planning, strategic focus, and a shift in business model that favors long-term sustainability.
The company’s CEO, Dr. Richard Lu, says the company’s business model is largely shielded from this turbulence, saying:
“Over the next several years we are not expecting any major changes or challenges from the potential changes to federal solar tax incentives. Support for our community solar projects comes at a state level, and we only focus on the 22 states that have community solar policy.”
This is a key distinction. SolarBank focuses on commercial, industrial, and community solar projects. Unlike residential solar companies, it benefits from strong state mandates and incentives.
Moreover, the timeline for scaling back federal tax credits for commercial solar systems doesn’t begin until 2028 or 2029. SolarBank has already factored that into its long-term planning. Dr. Lu emphasized this, noting:
“We work with industrial and commercial large-scale solar projects, and not residential. The schedule to reduce tax incentives… has already been included in our operations to mitigate the effect.”
Resilience Through Integration
SolarBank isn’t shaken by the headlines. Instead, it is strengthening its operations. Its resilience comes from a vertically integrated model. This model covers development, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance.
This structure helps the company control costs, speed up deployment, and rely less on uncertain external factors. Dr. Lu stated:
“We have a vertically integrated system… which gives us the capability to manage our costs and simplify our process. This is really where our lean set up is competitive.”
That competitiveness is especially important in a rapidly evolving energy market. AI data centers, electric vehicles, and digital industries are driving high electricity demand.
Data center power use in the U.S. will grow twofold in 2030 due to AI. Meanwhile, traditional energy systems are having a tough time keeping up.
SolarBank sees this mismatch as an opportunity. The company can meet rising energy needs by staying agile and keeping costs in check, that is faster than many big, slower competitors.
Shifting from Build-to-Sell to Build-to-Own
In response to both market evolution and policy unpredictability, SolarBank is also adjusting its core business strategy. Once focused on a build-to-sell model, the company is now emphasizing build-to-own projects.
The CEO noted that this shift aims to create a more stable revenue base, making SolarBank less reliant on one-off transactions and external funding sources. He said:
“This will boost our long-term recurring revenue. It makes it easier to take on new projects with less external funding.”
This change also helps the company hedge against potential federal funding shortfalls. SolarBank can continue to grow by attracting private investment and forming strategic partnerships. This will help, even with solar tax credit challenges.
A recent collaboration with Qcells, involving the use of U.S.-manufactured solar modules, is one example of how the company is preparing for multiple future scenarios. SolarBank has the following project pipeline that will bring significant growth to the company:
A Message for Policymakers
The company is confident in its own path. However, Dr. Lu emphasized the broader value of maintaining federal support for clean energy—especially for community solar and distributed energy systems. He remarked:
“Consistent and long-term support… is not just an investment in clean energy but also in social equity and economic resilience.”
Community solar programs are especially important for expanding access to renewable energy among low- and moderate-income households, renters, and underserved communities. Without strong policy support, these groups risk being left behind in the clean energy transition.
Dr. Lu added:
“Stable policies and incentives are crucial for planning and investment. By supporting these initiatives, policymakers can drive job creation, foster local economic development, and advance national goals for carbon reduction and climate resilience.”
What’s The Future for Solar?
SolarBank’s calm response shows its strong position, even if the headlines are unsettling. The company is ready to succeed by using state support, seeking private investment, and adjusting its business model. This approach helps it thrive despite federal uncertainty.
Still, the broader industry faces real questions. Will Congress follow through with proposed rollbacks? Can community solar continue to grow if the tax credits vanish? And what does this mean for energy equity in the U.S.?
For now, SolarBank believes that its focus on fundamentals, policy-savvy expansion, and forward-thinking leadership will carry it through.
- READ MORE: SolarBank and CIM Group Announce $100M Financing to Power 97 MW of U.S. Renewable Energy Projects
This report contains forward-looking information. Please refer to the SolarBank press release entitled “SolarBank Announces Third Quarter Results” for details of the information, risks and assumptions.
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