News > Solar homeowners take to Capitol Hill

Solar homeowners take to Capitol Hill

• Energy democracy & policy

April 2, 2025

• Ben Delman

Solar opponents in Congress want to repeal important investments in solar energy. But solar supporters are fighting back. Solar United Neighbors brought together solar owners from half a dozen states to persuade their lawmakers to support federal investments in solar energy because these investments benefit their constituents by saving them money, making electric service more reliable, and creating good local jobs. They joined a large group of solar advocates and industry workers from around the country for a day of legislative meetings.

A crucial time for solar

There is no time to waste. Senators, Representatives, and their staff members are already developing next year’s budget. Some want this budget to repeal solar tax credits, direct pay, and support for solar in rural communities. These meetings were an opportunity to put real faces and names behind solar’s benefits.

“Thanks to the residential solar tax credit and my solar investment, I have a $0/month electric bill,” said Jeff Clawson, who came to Washington from Ohio. “My solar system is an asset on my home that’s going to increase its value when I resell it.”

Hearing from lawmakers and sharing solar stories

Iowa Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks kicked off the day with a discussion about protecting an all-of-the-above energy approach, securing America’s energy independence, and protecting good jobs in all corners of the country. 

During opening remarks, she affirmed the importance of constituents speaking with their Congressional delegations about what’s happening in their states. During the Q&A, she fielded questions from fly-in participants asking how to hone their messages and advised on how to best communicate. When an Iowan expressed a profound concern about the key role clean energy could play in keeping young people in Iowa, the Congresswoman agreed on the need to keep jobs in the state, including via the energy sector.

Solar supporters then spread out across Capitol Hill offices for meetings with Senators, Representatives, and their staffs. In all, the group met directly with more than two dozen Senators and Representatives and staff from their offices.

Solar supporters from Indiana joined their delegation for a morning “Hoosier Huddle.” Senator Todd Young spoke to the group. They discussed solar tax credits, specifically the 25D provision that provides credits to homeowners and small businesses, as well as net metering, which Indiana did away with several years ago.

At 1 p.m. the group joined together for a photo at the east side of the Capitol steps. The remainder of the day was spent in meetings with legislative staff. These were opportunities for solar supporters to share why they decided to go solar, and how it has benefited their families and communities. They also urged the staff they spoke with to maintain key solar investments.

After an exhilarating 10 hours on Capitol Hill, the solar homeowners were charged about taking action in this fight for solar energy. “We made an impact by providing a candid, hopeful perspective on solar energy,” said Felipe Munoz from Nebraska.

There’s still time to act

Budget negotiations are on-going. Solar supporters still have time to make our voices heard. You can take part by visiting our action page. It has resources to share and many actions you can take to keep the momentum going.