Here’s the Truth About Payback, Incentives, and NEM 3.0
With changing utility rules, fluctuating electricity prices, and talk of reduced tax credits, it’s natural to ask:
“Is solar still worth it in 2025?”
Short answer: Yes — especially if you act soon.
But the way solar saves you money has evolved.
In this post, we’ll explain how solar works under today’s rules, what affects your return on investment, and why now is still a smart time to go solar — before potential changes take effect.
🔁 What Changed with NEM 3.0?
In California, Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) went into effect in April 2023. Under the new rules:
- You’re paid less for the extra energy you send to the grid
- Your savings now come more from self-consumption
- Battery storage is more important than ever
But even with these changes, solar still delivers thousands in long-term savings — especially if paired with a battery.
⚡ Utility Rates Are Still Rising
In 2024 alone, utilities like SDG&E, SCE, and PG&E raised rates by as much as 15–25%. And it’s not stopping.
If you stay on the grid without solar, you’ll likely pay twice as much for electricity 10 years from now.
Solar offers a way to lock in your own power source — and protect yourself from future rate hikes.
💸 What About the Tax Credit?
The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) is still in place for 2025 — but it may not last.
If the proposed BEAUTIFUL Act (or similar legislation) passes, this credit could be reduced or eliminated. That would add thousands back onto the cost of going solar.
That’s why now is the ideal time to start your project.
🔋 Batteries Are the Game-Changer in 2025
With NEM 3.0, batteries unlock the real value of your solar system:
- Store excess solar during the day
- Use stored power during expensive “peak” evening hours
- Avoid sending low-value energy to the grid
- Stay powered during blackouts
If you size your system right and include storage, you can cut your bill by 90% or more, even under the new rules.
🧠 Real Homeowners Are Still Going Solar — Here’s Why
- ✅ Electricity is a monthly expense with no return. Solar is an asset that pays you back.
- ✅ Solar increases home value and makes homes more attractive to buyers
- ✅ With financing, many homeowners install solar with $0 down and start saving in Year 1
- ✅ The system can pay for itself in 6–9 years, then produce free power for 15–20+ more years
📉 What If You Wait?
Here’s what you risk by waiting:
- Losing the 30% tax credit
- Facing higher utility rates
- Delays from growing solar demand
- Paying more for battery storage as demand grows
✅ The Bottom Line
Solar is still very much worth it in 2025, but how you design your system matters more than ever. The right system with the right battery can give you:
- Energy savings
- Grid independence
- Long-term financial security
📩 Get a Free Savings Analysis
Let Aicon Solar show you what solar looks like on your roof, with your usage, under your utility’s rate plan.
📞 Contact us today for a no-pressure proposal — before rates rise and incentives change.