Do solar panels qualify for tax credit?

After installing solar panels, you can claim the tax credit on the IRS filing that corresponds to the year you installed your system. For example, a solar installation completed in June 2024 would generate a federal tax credit that the owner could claim in April 2025. Who Qualifies for the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Are solar panels tax deductible?

Under most circumstances, subsidies provided by your utility to you to install a solar PV system are excluded from income taxes through an exemption in federal law. When this is the case, the utility rebate for installing solar is subtracted from your system costs before you calculate your tax credit.

Can I claim a tax credit if I install a solar PV system?

Yes, but if the residence where you install a solar PV system serves multiple purposes (e.g., you have a home ofice or your business is located in the same building), claiming the tax credit can be more complicated.

What is the Federal residential solar energy credit?

The federal residential solar energy credit is a tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer. (Other types of renewable energy are also eligible for similar credits but are beyond the scope of this guidance.)

Who qualifies for the federal solar tax credit?

To qualify for the federal solar tax credit, the taxpayer must own the solar energy system. Those in a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the solar installer aren’t eligible for the tax credit, as they aren’t considered system owners. Additionally, the taxpayer’s tax liability has to cover the amount of the credit.

Do state tax credits affect solar installation costs?

State tax credits for solar installation typically don’t affect federal costs directly. Still, claiming a state tax credit might raise reported taxable income on federal taxes due to reduced state income tax deductions, which can affect federal tax liability.