Your Guide to the Renewable Energy Tax Credit

What is the federal solar tax credit?

The solar investment tax credit (ITC) offers homeowners and commercial property owners incentives to install solar and move to renewable energy.

The ITC was extended in December 2020 as part of the federal government COVID-19 relief package. The solar panel tax credit will expire in 2024.

How does the federal solar tax credit work?

The solar panel tax credit allows you to claim 26% (or 22% or 10%, depending on the year you install) of the total cost of your solar system as a credit on your federal tax return.

• 2021 - 2022

  If you install your solar power system in 2021 or 2022 (residential or commercial), you’ll receive a 26% solar tax credit.

• 2023

  If you install your solar power system in 2023 (residential or commercial), you’ll receive a 22% solar tax credit.

• 2024

  If you install your solar power system for a commercial project in 2024, you’ll receive a 10% solar tax credit. Residential solar projects completed in 2024 will not receive any federal tax credit.

2022 is the final year to claim a 26% federal tax credit. That means if you pay $20,000 for your solar system, you’ll owe $5,200 less when you file your taxes the following year.

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Do I qualify for the federal solar tax credit?

To qualify for the solar panel tax credit, you must:

• Own your solar panels and solar system
• Own your home or commercial property

Your home does not have to be your primary or principal residence, but you do have to be the homeowner.

Solar leases and power purchasing agreements may not be eligible for the solar tax credit; since you are not the equipment owner, you won’t receive the tax credit.

The federal solar tax credit applies to:

• ANY complete solar power package for home or business.
• Product purchases that expand your existing solar power system and include at least one solar panel.
• Battery systems that are installed with your solar panels
• Labor costs of hiring someone to install your solar panel system
• Miscellaneous electrical and building material you will need to source to complete the installation of your solar panel kit

How to claim your federal solar tax credit

Follow these tips and best practices to claim your federal solar tax credit and receive substantial savings.

• Save all receipts

  Save all receipts related to your solar project, including equipment, shipping, installation, tools and parts and permitting. You’ll want to show physical proof to maximize your solar tax credit savings.

• Place your solar system service

  To claim your federal solar tax credit, you must place your solar system in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2024.

• Fill out Form 5695 (Residental)

  For residential renewable energy systems, use IRS Tax Form 5695 to report your expenses. (You can use this form for any residence, not just your primary one.) Learn more about residential tax credits.

• Fill out Form 3468 (Commerical)

  For commercial renewable energy systems, use IRS Tax Form 3468 to report your expenses. Learn more about commercial tax credits.

• No maximum solar credit

  There is no ceiling or cap on the solar tax credit, and there is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.

• Carry over your tax liability

  If the federal tax credit exceeds your tax liability, you may carry over the excess amount the following taxable year.

Get started with solar energy today

There’s never been a better time to switch to renewable solar energy. Not only has the price of solar equipment and electricity dropped significantly in the last ten years, but also do-it-yourself solar installation is now a hassle-free experience that can save you thousands more.

DIY solar panel kits are easy for you or a contractor to install within a weekend. At GoGreenSolar, we guide you through every step of the solar installation process and even offer a permit approval guarantee. Purchase from us with confidence!

Start your solar journey today!

Get a free solar estimate and complimentary solar roof layout from GoGreenSolar. No appointment needed!

Request a quote