The solar tax credit, also known as the federal solar tax credit or the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is a federal tax credit that allows homeowners and businesses to claim a credit for a portion of the cost of installing a solar energy system. This credit is designed to incentivize the adoption of solar energy a
nd make it more financially accessible for individuals and businesses.
Here's how the solar tax credit works:
The solar tax credit allows homeowners and businesses to claim a credit on their federal tax return for a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system. The credit is currently 26% of the cost of the solar energy system, and it is set to decrease to 22% in 2023.
To be eligible for the solar tax credit, you must own the solar energy system and it must be installed on your primary residence or a business that you own. Renters are not eligible for the credit.
The solar tax credit can be claimed in the tax year in which the solar energy system is placed in service. For example, if you install a solar energy system in 2021, you can claim the credit on your 2021 tax return.
The solar tax credit can be claimed for both new solar energy systems and for solar energy systems that are retrofitted to an existing home or business.
The solar tax credit has no upper limit, which means that you can claim a credit for the entire cost of your solar energy system. However, if the credit exceeds the amount of tax you owe in a given year, you can carry the excess credit forward to future tax years.
It's important to note that the solar tax credit is a federal credit, which means that it is available to homeowners and businesses throughout the United States. Some states may also offer additional incentives for solar energy, such as state tax credits or rebates. You can check with your state energy office or a local solar installer to see what incentives are available in your area