What is the federal tax credit for solar photovoltaics?

Check out the Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics for more information on the ITC including eligibility requirements and how to claim it on your taxes. President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, expanding the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

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.

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.

How does a utility rebate affect a solar tax credit?

When this is the case, the utility rebate for installing solar is subtracted from your system costs before you calculate your tax credit. For example, if your solar PV system installed in 2022 cost $18,000, and your utility gave you a one-time rebate of $1,000 for installing the system, your tax credit would be calculated as follows:

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.

Can I claim a tax credit for an off-site solar project?

Notes: the IRS issued a statement (see link above) allowing a particular taxpayer to claim a tax credit for purchasing an interest in an off-site community solar project. However, this document, known as a private letter ruling or PLR, may not be relied on as precedent by other taxpayers.