New Solar Tariffs Explained

Drone shot of a neighborhood with multiple solar installs

In This Article

Wondering how the new solar tariffs might affect your plans? You’re not the only one. Recent changes to tariffs have folks asking if now’s still a good time to go solar. The short answer: yes. Despite the noise, solar remains one of the smartest long-term investments you can make—and we’re here to help you navigate the changes with confidence.

What Are the Solar Tariffs in 2025?

The latest tariffs impacting solar focus on imported solar components like inverters and batteries. These measures are part of a broader push to support U.S. manufacturing, but in the short term, they may affect pricing, supply chains, and installation timelines throughout the solar industry.

How Tariffs Affect Solar Energy in North Carolina

  • Slight cost increases on key components, mostly batteries and inverters
  • Potential delays or shortages due to supply chain disruption
  • Longer lead times as the industry adjusts to new sourcing and pricing

Solar Still Wins

With new announcements coming out every day, it can feel overwhelming and discouraging to think about the future of solar. But even with these changes, solar remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills, while gaining peace of mind through greater energy security and resilience. With rising utility rates and generous incentives still available, solar still gives you the upper hand.

Learn more about current incentives →

A solar install from earlier this year that our SEM team knocked out of the park in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Here’s What We’re Doing About Solar Tariffs

We’re not sitting on the sidelines. We’re taking steps to protect your investment in solar by:

  • Absorbing part of the recent cost increases to keep our pricing stable
  • Securing a strong equipment pipeline to minimize potential delays
  • Staying ahead of the policy curve to keep you informed and empowered
  • Advocating at the state and federal level for sustainable energy policy

For now, we’re holding prices steady by absorbing recent cost increases. However, tariff-related price changes are expected to start making a larger impact in about four months, and we may not be able to shield customers from those increases as much as we’d like by then. That means there’s a limited window to lock in today’s rates before adjustments begin.

Southern Energy Management solar installers up on the roof with all smiles

Strength in Partnership: The Amicus Advantage

As a proud member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, we work alongside other mission-driven solar companies nationwide. This partnership gives us access to:

  • Bulk purchasing power to help reduce equipment costs
  • Shared expertise to navigate policy and supply chain changes
  • Nationwide insights that keep us ahead of the curve locally

In short: you’re not just getting our 20+ years of experience, you’re tapping into a collective solar brain trust!

Group photo from this year’s Amicus Solar Conference in Texas. Can you spot Mickey and Alyssa?

What You Can Do Right Now to Save

If you’re considering solar, here’s how to make the most of this moment:

  • Talk to us and grab a free quote! Our team is closely monitoring changes daily
  • Start early to lock in today’s pricing before new tariffs take effect
  • Add battery storage to maximize savings and increase resilience
  • Use available incentives while they’re still here, like Duke Energy’s PowerPair Incentive and the 30% federal tax credit

When you choose Southern Energy Management, you’re not just getting an installer, you’re getting a partner who’s working behind the scenes to support your energy future.

Our solar crew stoked on a recent install right before the rain poured

It’s Bigger Than Tariffs

We understand there’s a lot up in the air right now, and that kind of uncertainty doesn’t disappear overnight. But that’s exactly why we’re here.

Whether it’s navigating policy shifts, planning for energy independence, or simply making the numbers work, our mission is to bring you peace of mind through clean energy.

Solar is a long-term investment. Tariffs are temporary.

Let’s make a plan that works in your favor, now and for years to come. Reach out today to get your free quote.

Like the shirts? Some folks on our solar team screenprinted them in our warehouse!

Solar Tariff FAQs:

Is Solar Still Worth It?

Absolutely. With energy prices climbing and incentives at their peak, solar continues to be a solid long-term investment, even with tariffs in play.

Are Tariffs Permanent?

Nope. Most solar tariffs run in 4-year cycles, and they’re often reviewed—or even reversed—based on market needs and political priorities.

Will Tariffs Make U.S. Manufacturers More Competitive?

Potentially. Tariffs aim to give domestic manufacturers a boost, but most of the real momentum in U.S. solar production is coming from the Inflation Reduction Act, not trade policy alone.

When will the new solar tariffs start affecting prices?

We expect the tariff-related price changes to start taking effect in about 4 months. Right now, we’re absorbing the cost increases to ensure pricing is stable for our customers, so there’s a window of opportunity to lock in current rates and take advantage of solar incentives.

How can I protect myself from solar tariff price increases?

Work with a trusted local installer that offers pricing transparency, secure equipment pipelines, and access to national purchasing power—like our team at Southern Energy Management!

Should I wait to go solar until after tariffs are removed?

In most cases, no. Solar incentives are strong now, and waiting could mean higher costs. Locking in current pricing and incentives gives you better long-term savings and energy security. Explore current North Carolina incentives →

Meet the Author

Lindsay Brecheisen

Always enjoying the journey 🙂 Lindsay is the conductor of content at Southern Energy Management. When she isn’t synthesizing information into a newsletter or blog — Lindsay enjoys long walks on the beach with her cat, listening to soul on vinyl, and surfing the earth or sea (depending on the season).

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