Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2025 Reconciliation Bill, formally known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” In a surprising 11th-hour development, Congress voted to strip many of the green energy tax credits that have underpinned the growth of the American solar industry for over a decade. While some changes to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program were expected, the extent of these cuts has sent shockwaves through our sector.

If signed into law in its current form, this bill would deal a serious blow to the future of solar energy in the United States—and, more broadly, to America’s pursuit of energy independence and global energy leadership.

As President of Solar One, I want to be clear: this is not a partisan issue. The solar industry is largely bipartisan, driven by innovation, private investment, and a shared commitment to supporting the nation’s power grid with clean, cost-effective energy. In 2024 alone, solar added an impressive 56 gigawatts (gW) of new generation capacity in the U.S., while natural gas added just 7 gW between 2024 and 2025 combined. Despite this performance, the current political winds seem to favor natural gas—an energy source already plagued by rising costs and logistical bottlenecks.

This transition would provide the industry with the runway needed to adapt while protecting the jobs, investments, and grid contributions that solar energy delivers every day.

It’s also worth remembering that commercial and industrial solar projects align with President Trump’s promise to “keep tax credits for corporations in America.” In recent years, leading solar manufacturers have opened plants across the U.S., creating thousands of high-quality American jobs. Gutting the ITC threatens to undo that progress.

I urge lawmakers in both the House and Senate to reconsider the broader economic and energy ramifications of this bill. American solar energy is not a political talking point—it’s a vital component of our nation’s energy strategy and economic future.

Let’s not sacrifice progress for politics.

As the policy landscape evolves, it’s crucial we keep a close eye on developments that could shape the future of clean energy in the U.S. The past couple weeks brought significant updates to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) framework—updates that, while not without concern, are more measured than anticipated. While any reduction to current incentives is a step back, this proposal provides clarity and, importantly, a long runway for adaptation and advocacy.

Here’s what we're seeing in the first draft of the legislation—and what it means for solar, wind, and battery storage:

Gradual Sunset of Main Tax Credits

The foundational tax credits for clean energy—48E Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and 48Y Production Tax Credits (PTCs)—are set to begin sunsetting in 2029. The phaseout will follow a 4-year slope: 80% in 2029, then 60%, 40%, and ultimately 0%. While not ideal, this provides long-term visibility and a path for potential renewal, as we've seen in past cycles.

Transferability Limits, But with a Practical Buffer

Transferability will be phased out for projects that begin construction two years after the bill's enactment. In effect, any project safe-harbored before mid-to-late 2027 will still qualify. This gives the market time to adapt, and there's every possibility this could shift again with future administrations or legislative amendments.

Direct Pay and Adders Remain Intact—For Now

The structure around direct pay and tax credit adders (e.g., domestic content, energy communities) remains untouched—welcome news for C&I developers. However, certain other credits, including Section 25D for residential solar and 30C for EV charging, are slated for sunset beginning December 31, 2025. Notably, the expiration of 25D may open the door to increased adoption of third-party ownership models in residential solar.

New Restrictions for Foreign Ownership

A new recapture provision has been introduced targeting ownership and influence by “Prohibited Foreign Entities,” also known as Foreign Entities of Concern. This could have implications for financing and partnerships, particularly for projects with complex international structures or components.

At Solar One, we’re tracking these developments closely. This is just the starting point in what will be a longer process. We’re engaging with industry peers, partners, and policymakers to ensure that commercial and industrial solar continues to be supported through sound, forward-thinking policy.

We’ll keep you informed as this legislation moves through Congress—and continue advocating for a clean energy future that remains accessible, resilient, and scalable.

After completing their Glendale, AZ flagship solar project in 2023, Cavco Industries reunites with Solar One for three additional solar projects aimed at steadying rising energy costs.

Sherman, TX – April 22, 2025 – Solar One, a Texas-based leader in commercial and industrial solar energy solutions, is proud to announce its ongoing relationship with Cavco Industries, one of the nation's top producers of affordable manufactured homes. Together, the companies are reducing energy costs and increasing long-term value through large-scale solar installations at Cavco’s manufacturing facilities.

After evaluating several providers, Cavco selected Solar One for its unique experience in the manufactured housing sector, national project capabilities, and strong record of reliability and professionalism. The most recent Cavco initiative was to build 887kW parking canopy solar arrays to produce almost 1,164,350 kW/hours of electricity each year, offsetting three of Cavco’s plants’ annual power consumption between 35% to 100% at the selected facilities. These solar projects—built in Deming, New Mexico; Emlenton, Pennsylvania; and Shippenville, Pennsylvania—have many similarities to the first project Solar One completed for Cavco in 2023, the groundbreaking Cavco Park Models and Cabins manufacturing facility in Glendale, Arizona.

“Our flagship project for Cavco in Glendale, Arizona alone has generated over 2.35 gigawatt-hours in just 18 months. That’s the equivalent of powering 216 average U.S. homes for a year,” said Aaron Wilson, CEO of Solar One. “By locking in energy rates and reducing operational costs, Cavco can focus on what they do best—providing exceptional quality homes at prices more families can afford.”

"With rising utility costs impacting every industry, investing in solar has helped us stabilize a key part of our manufacturing expenses,” said Steve Like, Senior Vice President at Cavco Industries, echoing the value of the relationship. “That stability allows us to pass savings directly on to our homebuyers while continuing to invest in long-term sustainability. With our focus on making things better for the communities where we build, going to solar also helps us do our part to reduce emissions and our environmental impact.”

 

Solar One continues to work with trusted industry partner SolarEdge to deliver innovative solutions for solar system energy inverters, power optimizers, and monitoring systems for all projects. One pioneering feature built within the power optimizers is the SolarEdge Sense Connect, which allows continuous monitoring to detect any performance issues or connector-level wear and tear. This future-forward safety technology ensures the longevity of solar systems installed by Solar One in a variety of climates around the U.S.

With the path ahead full of potential, Solar One remains committed to helping Cavco—and other forward-thinking manufacturers—build a more resilient and cost-effective energy future.

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About Solar One

Based in Texas, Solar One delivers powerful, large-scale solar solutions for commercial and industrial companies. With energy prices continually increasing, our performance-designed systems begin saving energy costs from day one. We help businesses take control of rising costs by implementing future forward solar technologies. Growth in recent years has extended their reach beyond Texas to favorable markets like Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida. To learn more, visit www.solar-one.com 

About Cavco

Cavco Industries, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, designs and produces factory-built housing products primarily distributed through a network of independent and Company-owned retailers. We are one of the largest producers of manufactured and modular homes in the United States, based on reported wholesale shipments. We are also a leading producer of park model RVs, vacation cabins and factory-built commercial structures. Cavco’s finance subsidiary, CountryPlace Mortgage, is an approved Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac seller/servicer and a Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities issuer that offers conforming mortgages, non-conforming mortgages, and home-only loans to purchasers of factory-built homes. Our insurance subsidiary, Standard Casualty, provides property and casualty insurance to owners of manufactured homes. Visit cavcohomes.com to learn more.

Press Contacts

Solar One

Allen Oliver, Director of Marketing
marketing@solar-one.com
Phone: 903-890-9052

Cavco

Colleen Rogers, SVP – Marketing & Communications
media@cavco.com
Phone: 972-763-5038

Manufacturing facilities are some of the most energy-intensive operations in the economy—and that makes them particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs. With utility rates increasing year over year and uncertainty around grid stability, more manufacturers are seeking proactive ways to take control of their energy future.

One of the most effective—and increasingly necessary—solutions? Onsite solar.

The Rising Cost of Powering Production

Energy is the backbone of every manufacturing operation. Whether it’s powering assembly lines, running heavy machinery, or maintaining environmental controls, manufacturers rely on consistent, affordable electricity. But energy costs are rising, and volatility in utility pricing is making it harder for businesses to forecast and control expenses.

This is where onsite solar offers a game-changing advantage.

Why Solar One Works for Manufacturing

At Solar One, we design and install solar energy systems specifically for commercial and industrial clients. We understand the unique energy demands of manufacturing—and we tailor our systems to meet them.

Here’s how onsite solar benefits manufacturers:

• Cost Control: Solar significantly reduces your monthly utility spend, freeing up capital for operations and innovation.

• Long-Term Price Stability: Lock in your energy rates for 10, 15, or even 20 years—no more surprises from fluctuating utility bills.

• Operational Resilience: Reduce dependence on the grid and increase energy reliability.

• Sustainability Wins: Meet environmental goals, improve ESG scores, and attract sustainability-minded clients or partners.

From “Nice to Have” to Necessary

Historically, solar has been viewed by some manufacturers as a “green” initiative—something optional or nice to implement when budgets allow. But the landscape is shifting fast.

With costs of solar at all-time lows, government incentives on the rise, and pressure mounting to reduce carbon emissions, onsite solar is no longer discretionary. It’s a smart business decision—and in many cases, a competitive necessity.

Future-Proof Your Facility

Manufacturers who act now are positioning themselves for long-term success. Those who wait may find themselves at a disadvantage—not just in energy costs, but in sustainability benchmarks, investor expectations, and operational agility.

At Solar One, we’re helping manufacturers across the country future-proof their operations with reliable, cost-effective solar solutions.

Ready to take control of your energy future?

Let’s talk about how solar can power your plant—today and for decades to come. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

SolarEdge Technologies recently announced that its U.S.-manufactured solar inverter portfolio, including its upcoming 480V Commercial & Industrial (C&I) product line, is now compliant with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act. This milestone enables SolarEdge to participate in federally funded infrastructure projects while supporting domestic manufacturing and job creation in Florida and Texas.

The BABA-compliant lineup includes various three-phase and single-phase inverters, along with power optimizers designed to maximize system performance, safety, and reliability. Industry leaders, including Solar One, have praised the compliance, highlighting its value for federal projects and long-term investment viability.

"At Solar One, we recognize SolarEdge's commitment to delivering cutting-edge inverter solutions,” said Aaron Wilson, CEO of Solar One. "Their upcoming BABA-compliant 480V DC optimized inverter solutions for C&I applications will be immensely valuable to our end customers and the long-term viability of their investments. SolarEdge’s focus on safety, power optimization, and their advanced monitoring capabilities makes them the clear choice for Commercial and Industrial projects.”

By achieving BABA compliance, SolarEdge strengthens its position in the U.S. market, supporting the expansion of American-made solar technology and advancing clean energy solutions nationwide.

North America is spearheading the global activewear market, which is projected to reach $451.10 billion by 2028. However, with this growing success, the industry faces increasing pressure from eco-conscious consumers and active outdoor enthusiasts to lead by example in environmental impact and sustainability. 

Some brands dare ignore consumers’ environmental concerns, procrastinate on their public pledges, or purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) in hopes to appease their critics. While the latter is admittedly more admirable than the former, a growing number of industry leaders in active, outdoor gear and apparel are finding favor with eco-conscious consumers by demonstrating authentic dedication to sustainability through their direct investment in on-site solar energy.

PUMA

In 2003, PUMA, one of the world's leading sports brands, reduced its CO₂ emissions 23.2% per piece of garment, 40.7% per square meter of leather produced, and 9.2% per ton of textile produced. PUMA credits these reductions to a three-year climate initiative consisting of various actions including installation of rooftop solar projects at multiple locations and the participation of core suppliers in cleaner production and renewable energy.

 

HEADSWEATS

Dawned on the domes of countless Tour de France riders, Ironman winners, marathoners, and elite bike racers around the world, Headsweats claims “more triathlon finishers and podiums than any other headwear company.” Inspired by the success of their solar covered factory in El Salvador, Headsweats has expanded is sustainability efforts with photovoltaic panels atop their fully vertical integrated manufacturing facility in Boulder, Colorado.

 

REI CO-OP

Then, of course, there's REI, whose well-known obsession with outdoor living, camping, sport and adventure runs deep in its community's culture and public mantra: "We believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived!" Though REI-branded apparel grabs more market share every year, the company is best known as a powerhouse retailer for other, popular head-to-toe outdoor apparel brands. They have leveraged this role by promoting REI Product Impact Standards and practicing unapologetic preference to partnering brands that meet said standards.

REI Co-Op first announced its commitment to becoming carbon neutral is 2006. Through the installation of solar power systems atop several dozen retail stores, REI's electricity has been 100% renewable since 2013. Then, at the time of its construction in 2016, the company's 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona, became the largest net-zero and LEED Platinum building in America. Upon achieving carbon neutrality in 2020, REI announced an ambitious initiative to not only continue sourcing complete renewable energy, but also cut their carbon footprint in half by 2030.

 

WHAT'S THEIR WHY?

Why don't these active apparel brands just stay in their lane? Why would activewear leaders like PUMA, Headsweats, and REI Co-Op, not to mention the usual suspects (Patagonia, Salomon, On, KEEN, etc.), invest the time, energy, and presumably large sums of money to plan and execute peripheral, sustainability goals? With apparel recognized as one of the worst polluting industries, more and more brand leaders are acting out of a strong sense of personal and corporate responsibility. Even more, these brands know their customers. The more time consumers spend on outdoor exercise and recreation, the more passionate they seek to support brands who share their environmental convictions.

 

MAKES "SUSTAINABLE" OBTAINABLE

Solar One is here to help your gear and apparel brand achieve its sustainability and environmental impact objectives by creating a customized, energy-saving solar power system tailored to your specific needs. Our systems are already powering headquarters, manufacturing plants, and large distribution centers across the United States. We excel in navigating federal, state, and industry incentives, using the safest, most cost-effective equipment and best practices for easy maintenance and long-term efficiency. Start the conversation with Solar One today, and take a step closer to fulfilling both your and your customers’ sustainability goals.