How the One Big Beautiful Bill Threatens Illinois Solar Progress—and What You Can Do

What Is the One Big Beautiful Bill?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sweeping federal budget and tax proposal introduced in 2025. While it includes broad reforms across sectors, its most contentious provisions target clean energy. Specifically, it proposes rolling back several key policies that have driven solar growth since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in 2022.

At the center of the storm? A solar tax credit phaseout that would end the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar installations far earlier than expected. The IRA extended the ITC through at least 2032, giving homeowners and businesses time to transition to clean energy. The OBBB shortens that timeline to just 180 days after the bill becomes law.

For the solar industry—and for Illinois property owners—that’s a seismic shift.

What Solar Provisions Are in the OBBB?

Let’s look at the provisions in the bill that directly impact solar:

• Ends the 30% federal solar tax credit much sooner than planned
• Cuts production-based incentives for leased solar systems and third-party ownership models
• Restricts equipment sourcing from countries deemed “Prohibited Foreign Entities”
• Reduces funding for clean energy grants and rebate programs
• Halts future bonus credits for domestic content or energy equity

These provisions represent a significant departure from existing Illinois solar policy, especially when paired with aggressive state legislation like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

Current Law vs. the One Big Beautiful Bill: A Quick Comparison

This isn’t just a rollback. It’s a full-on reversal of the clean energy momentum we’ve fought so hard for.

Where Does the Bill Stand Now?

The House passed the bill in early June 2025. It’s now in the Senate, where resistance is growing. Senators from solar-strong states—including Illinois—are proposing amendments to protect rooftop solar. Some would delay the tax credit rollback or allow grace periods for projects already in development.

But the bill’s fate is uncertain. In the meantime, the market is reacting. Projects are being rushed. Prices are fluctuating. And homeowners are scrambling to lock in current incentives.

Illinois: A Solar Leader with a Lot to Lose

Over the past few years, Illinois has emerged as a national model for solar adoption. Programs like Illinois Shines have dramatically expanded access to solar energy across income levels, property types, and communities.

Thanks to these efforts:

• Illinois solar capacity has grown more than 300% since 2020
• Over 5,000 people are employed in solar across the state
• Community solar subscriptions have doubled year over year
• Net metering rules and state rebates support solar ROI

But all of that progress relies on stable federal incentives—especially the ITC. If the OBBB passes, Illinois will be forced to either shore up support through state funding or watch the momentum stall.

Financial Impact for Homeowners and Farmers

1. Solar ROI Will Drop

The ITC is a game-changer for homeowners and farmers. It reduces solar costs by 30% up front. That’s the difference between a 9-year payback period and a 13-year one. Without it, the Illinois consumers’ solar ROI under the One Big Beautiful Bill shrinks—fast.

For example:

• A $24,000 residential system drops to $16,800 with the credit
• Without the credit, that’s $7,200 more out-of-pocket
• This would make many leased systems financially unviable

For farmers and agricultural facilities with large rooftops or land-based arrays, the loss of the credit may mean canceling or delaying projects indefinitely.

2. Electricity Bills Could Rise Even Higher

Illinois households already pay around 20% more for electricity than they did just three years ago. That trend could accelerate. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act may increase household energy bills in Illinois by more than $100 per year on average, according to several forecasts.

That’s because solar helps stabilize grid demand and reduce peak-time prices. Without new solar deployment, utilities will rely more on natural gas and coal—both of which are price-volatile.

3. Thousands of Jobs Are at Risk

The impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on Illinois solar jobs could be severe. Nationwide, the bill could cut over 800,000 clean energy jobs. For Illinois, that includes:

• Solar installers
• Manufacturing and logistics workers
• System engineers
• Sales professionals
• Local contractors and electricians

And those lost jobs won’t be easily replaced in rural and underserved areas that rely on renewable job growth.

Equipment Sourcing: A New Bottleneck

The bill also tightens rules on where solar panels and components can come from. Any product linked to countries categorized as “Prohibited Foreign Entities” could become ineligible for tax credits—or even banned.

While this is aimed at national security concerns, it threatens Illinois’s solar supply chain, especially for smaller installers who rely on affordable, imported panels.

That means:

• Higher prices for homeowners
• Project delays due to limited inventory
• Less competition among vendors

For those wondering how OBBB affects solar panel installation costs in Illinois, this is a major factor.

Leasing Could Be a Thing of the Past

Leased systems make up about 30% of all new residential solar installations in Illinois. These arrangements let property owners go solar with no upfront cost and pay monthly based on power produced.

The OBBB would eliminate production-based credits for third-party-owned systems—essentially gutting the entire business model. That could mean:

• Fewer options for middle- and low-income households
• Steep decline in solar adoption in rural areas
• Major shake-up in the residential solar market

While we don’t advocate leasing over buying solar panels when ownership is a viable option, it remains a reasonable last-ditch alternative to ever-increasing utility bills—and thus, a benefit to our community.

Why It Matters Even If You Don’t Have Solar

Even if you haven’t gone solar—or never plan to—the ripple effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill could still hit your wallet and your community. 

Without new solar coming online, utility companies may be forced to rely more heavily on fossil fuels, which can drive up electricity rates across the board. That means higher bills, no matter where your power comes from. And it’s not just about prices. Solar helps make our grid more stable during heat waves and storms—less solar means a shakier grid for everyone.

The loss of solar jobs and small business closures could weaken local economies, particularly in rural areas where solar has become a growing employment sector. Public programs funded through clean energy initiatives—like energy efficiency upgrades, school retrofits, and low-income bill assistance—could also face budget cuts as federal support dries up.

Ultimately, the bill’s impact reaches far beyond solar customers—it affects every Illinois resident who depends on affordable, reliable power and a strong local economy.

Undermining U.S. Clean Energy Investment

The One Big Beautiful Bill effect on U.S. clean energy investment could ripple far beyond Illinois. The bill could derail more than $1 trillion in planned investments, most of which was spurred by the IRA.

That includes:

• New solar manufacturing plants
• Workforce training programs
• Grid modernization and battery storage
• Advanced inverter and efficiency technologies

Analysts worry that halting these efforts could stall the U.S. energy transition—and cede ground to international competitors in clean tech.

What Is Illinois Doing About It?

Illinois Pushes Back Against Federal Solar Rollbacks

In response to the Illinois solar tax credit phaseout proposed in the One Big Beautiful Bill, lawmakers, clean energy advocates, and local solar companies are taking action. Illinois legislators have voiced strong opposition to the bill and are backing Senate amendments to One Big Beautiful Bill solar credits that aim to preserve rooftop solar incentives and soften the blow for residential and agricultural users.

The CRGA Act: Illinois’ Clean Energy Countermeasure

At the state level, lawmakers introduced the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, also known as SB 40/HB 3779, in early 2025. While it narrowly failed to pass during the spring session, the legislation remains a critical tool in Illinois’ clean energy strategy.

Why the CRGA Act Matters for Illinois Solar Policy

Clean energy advocates, including the National Resources Defense Counsel (NRDC) and Vote Solar, warn that without legislation like CRGA, Illinois risks higher utility bills, slower solar growth, and missed job creation opportunities. The bill would have strengthened Illinois solar policy just as federal support hangs in the balance.

Now, with a renewed push expected in the fall legislative session, CRGA remains one of the most important tools to protect Illinois residents—whether they’ve already installed solar or are just starting to explore their options.

What’s Next for the CRGA Act?

While the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) didn’t pass during the Spring 2025 session, energy advocates and lawmakers are preparing to reintroduce the bill this fall. Supporters are actively refining the proposal to build broader bipartisan support, while continuing to educate the public on how CRGA can lower energy bills, improve grid reliability, and protect Illinois solar progress—especially in the face of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

If passed in the upcoming session, CRGA could help Illinois:

• Offset the impact of the Illinois solar tax credit phaseout
• Provide state-level support for solar installation and storage
• Make energy pricing fairer and more predictable
• Protect consumers from misleading solar sales practices

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’ve been thinking about going solar, now is the time to take the next step.

Why You Should Act

• The 30% federal tax credit is still available—for now
• Prices may rise due to sourcing changes and demand
• Solar companies are booking out months in advance
• Acting before OBBB becomes law could lock in thousands in savings

Steps You Can Take Today

• Contact your state lawmakers and urge them to support the reintroduction and passing of the CRGA Act.
• Call your senator to support rooftop solar protections.
• Sign up for alerts from clean energy advocacy groups like Citizens Utility Board and NRDC.
• Spread the word by sharing trusted resources with neighbors, farmers, and local businesses.
• Get a free solar consultation to lock in existing incentives before any federal changes take effect.

Every voice counts—and your support can help ensure Illinois stays on a path toward affordable, reliable, and renewable energy for everyone.

The Stakes Are High—But So Is the Sun: Final Thoughts

The Illinois solar tax credit phaseout, potential Illinois rooftop solar repeal, and threats to clean energy investment aren’t just policy moves—they’re personal. They affect your bills, your property value, your community, and our shared energy future.

But here’s the good news: you still have time to take action. Illinois has a strong solar foundation, smart advocates, and an engaged public.

Let’s keep the light on.