The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Go Solar: Why 2025 is the Time to Act

Introduction

Many commercial property owners are intrigued by solar energy but hesitant to make the leap. Waiting for "the perfect time" might feel prudent, but in reality, delaying your solar investment can cost more than you think. In 2025, policy shifts, inflation, and rising utility rates are converging, making now the optimal window for commercial solar. Here's why procrastination could be expensive—and how Surge can help you seize the moment.

📈 The Rising Cost of Utility Power

Electricity prices have been steadily climbing year-over-year, driven by infrastructure costs, fuel volatility, and grid modernization efforts. In 2025:

• Utility rates have risen an average of 4-6% annually in many markets

• Demand charges on commercial accounts continue to escalate

• Energy costs are increasingly impacted by peak pricing and time-of-use rates

Delaying solar means continuing to pay these rising expenses, eroding your operating margins year after year.

🎁 Solar Incentives Won’t Last Forever

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) established robust federal tax credits, but they are not permanent:

• The 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is locked in through 2032, but adders like the Domestic Content Bonus may diminish sooner

• Bonus credits for energy communities or low-income projects could phase out or become more competitive

• State and utility rebates are finite, often based on funding caps that deplete quickly

Waiting too long may mean missing out on significant savings from incentives that offset your upfront costs.

🛠️ Cost of Equipment and Labor is Rising

While solar panel prices stabilized recently, the long-term trend shows:

• Labor costs for installation are increasing due to a skilled labor shortage

• Battery storage prices, while dropping, may face supply chain constraints

• Inflation affects materials, permitting, and soft costs

Locking in your project in 2025 secures current pricing before further inflationary pressures increase total project costs.

⚖️ Policy and Regulatory Uncertainty

Solar policy is dynamic, especially at the state and utility level:

• Net metering programs are being replaced by net billing or time-of-use compensation in many regions

• Interconnection queues are lengthening, causing delays in project approvals

• Upcoming elections could shift renewable energy policy, creating uncertainty in incentive structures

By acting now, you can lock in favorable policies and rates before potential regulatory shifts.

🌱 Operational and ESG Advantages

Going solar sooner positions your business to:

• Achieve sustainability goals and ESG benchmarks faster

• Enhance property value and appeal to tenants or buyers

• Prepare for fleet electrification and other energy-intensive upgrades

• Participate in grid services or demand response programs

Early adoption can create competitive advantages that translate into both brand value and operational savings.

🤝 Why Surge is Your Best Partner Now

Surge simplifies the solar transition by:

• Providing a turnkey process from assessment to installation and monitoring

• Navigating all federal, state, and utility incentives for maximum savings

• Designing systems optimized for your load profile and financial objectives

• Offering flexible financing options to reduce upfront costs

We help you capture the full economic and environmental benefits of solar—before costs rise and incentives fade.

📝 TLDR Summary

• Utility rates, inflation, and labor costs are rising, making waiting costly

• Federal and state solar incentives are time-limited and subject to change

• Policy uncertainty and interconnection delays will only grow

• Solar enhances operational savings, ESG compliance, and property value today

• Surge provides expert, turnkey solutions to help you act now and maximize returns