Third-Party Solar Ownership Thrives Under New OBBB Incentives
The solar industry just got a massive boost with the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). For installers and developers, this isn’t just another policy update—it’s a game-changer for third-party ownership (TPO) models. Let’s break down why TPO is suddenly the talk of the town and how you can leverage it.
Why TPO? Why Now?
Solar leasing and power purchase agreements (PPAs) weren’t always the go-to for homeowners. But with OBBB’s enhanced tax credits flowing to system owners, third-party providers are sitting pretty. Think about it: customers avoid upfront costs, and you secure long-term revenue. It’s like swapping a one-time sale for a 20-year partnership.
The OBBB Effect
Here’s the kicker: OBBB extends the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at 30% for TPO systems through 2032. That’s a stark contrast to previous uncertainty. Combine that with accelerated depreciation, and suddenly, your commercial projects pencil out faster. Even residential leases—often sidelined—are back in play.
But What About Customer Hesitation?
Some still worry about ‘not owning’ their panels. Yet, with TPO, maintenance headaches vanish, and production guarantees (hello, SunPower PPA terms) put minds at ease. It’s a paradox: giving up control actually reduces risk.
The Battery Question
Storage is where TPO shines brighter. Tesla Powerwall integrations? They’re easier to bundle when you’re not asking customers to drop $15K upfront. Utilities love it too—TPO can turn fleets of solar+storage systems into virtual power plants overnight.
Action Items for Solar Pros
1. Retrain sales teams: Flip the script from ‘buy now’ to ‘pay-as-you-go.’
2. Partner wisely: Lean on financiers like Sungage or Mosaic for TPO back-end support.
3. Monitor policy tweaks: OBBB has nuances—especially for community solar projects.
This isn’t 2016’s solar coaster. With OBBB, TPO isn’t just important—it’s unavoidable. Time to ride the wave.
