🕒 Last updated on August 6, 2025
EPA moves to cancel solar program for working families
In a surprising and controversial move, the Trump administration plans to cancel a major solar energy program that was designed to help lower- and middle-income families across the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to revoke $7 billion in rooftop solar energy grants that were promised under a program called Solar for All.
This program had been created to allow families in 49 states to install solar panels on their homes. The idea was simple: help hardworking families lower their electricity bills while supporting clean energy. The grants were awarded just last year, and most of the money has not yet been spent.
However, new actions by the EPA now aim to take back those funds. Two persons with knowledge of the matter say the agency is writing letters of termination to each of the 60 grantees. These letters will inform them that the money they were awarded will no longer be available.
The Solar for All program was part of the larger Inflation Reduction Act, a climate-focused law created during President Biden’s term. It aimed to make renewable energy more affordable and accessible for everyday Americans. Many families who were depending on this funding may now lose their chance to go solar.
Thousands of families could miss out on cheaper power
Installing solar panels on rooftops can be expensive. Before tax incentives, it typically costs around $29,000, according to clean energy firm EnergySage. That’s a price that many families simply can’t afford without help. The Solar for All grants were meant to cover these costs and help people save at least 20% on their monthly energy bills.
Under the program, states and other local agencies had already started planning how to distribute the money. They were going to offer things like small grants, tax credits, and loans to households. The goal was to support communities that normally don’t have access to clean energy options.
Now, all of that planning is in danger. These grants had gone through a competitive process, meaning the states worked hard to qualify and were chosen based on their readiness and needs. Some of the recipients also included tribal governments and national nonprofit organizations focused on clean energy.
The move to cancel these awards could also have a legal fight ahead. Experts say that it’s rare for money already promised by the government to be taken back. Previous presidents have usually avoided such rollbacks. But this administration is using a different approach, saying that the funds are still “unobligated” and can legally be reclaimed.
The EPA said in a statement that it is working to follow “congressional intent” under a newly passed law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was backed by the Trump administration. This law ended many climate-related incentives and ordered unused funds to be taken back. The EPA may try to shift the Solar for All money into that category, arguing it follows what Congress decided.
Clean energy advocates raise alarm over sudden cut
People working in the clean energy field have raised strong concerns. They argue that canceling these grants would hurt working-class families who were counting on support to install solar panels. These families were not only expecting lower energy bills but also hoping to do their part in reducing pollution and making their homes more energy-efficient.
Some climate experts said the move “makes no sense,” especially since the program had not yet spent the funds. The solar projects were just starting to launch, with most installations planned over the next few years. Now, all that momentum could be lost.
Clean energy leaders say this isn’t just about solar panels—it’s about fairness. They believe that every American family, no matter where they live or how much money they make, should have access to cleaner, cheaper power.
The decision also comes at a time when utility bills are rising, and many families are struggling to manage costs. These solar grants were seen as a solution that could bring long-term savings, job creation, and energy independence to communities across the U.S.
Although some members of Congress had tried to keep the Solar for All program safe, the EPA has not given any clear answer about reversing its plan. The new EPA chief has said he will “follow the law” but has not made any promises to continue the grants.
The final letters from the EPA are expected to be sent soon. Until then, the future of the $7 billion rooftop solar grant program remains uncertain, and families across the country are left wondering what happens next.