What is it?
The solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal tax credit for qualified customers who purchase solar energy systems for residential properties. The credit, which is applied to a homeowner’s income tax, is equal to a percentage of the cost of eligible equipment.*
The ITC delivers a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction in the income taxes that a homeowner would otherwise owe the federal government.* (e.g. a $10K tax credit means you pay $10K less in taxes)
How much is it?
That depends on when you start construction (and when you start generating electricity). Starting in
2021, it will be equal to 26% of the cost of eligible solar equipment. It steps down to 22% in 2023, so
the sooner you act, the more you can save.*
How do I qualify for the ITC?*
To qualify for the full 26% federal solar ITC, you must at least meet the following requirements:
• Valid through December 31,2022. Consult your tax advisor for details.*
• You must own your home. Renters are not eligible.
• You must own your solar panels. If you lease them, you cannot directly claim the tax credit.
• You must pay enough taxes to the federal government to qualify for the 26% tax credit. It’s a tax credit, not a rebate.
How do I receive my credit?
To receive your credit, you must complete IRS Form 5695 when you file your taxes and add your renewable energy credit information to your typical form 1040. Popular federal tax filing software includes this credit as a default. If you use an accountant or tax processor, tell them that you purchased solar.
What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is not a tax rebate. While a rebate pays you back, a credit offsets the balance of tax due. So if you owe little to no feder al taxes there is little to nothing to offset, and you may not be able to take full advantage of the credit.
On the other hand, if you pay at least as much in taxes as you get for your tax credit, you can pay off your tax debt with the credit and/or get the remainder after withholding as a refund. Even better, if you don’t owe the full amount of your tax credit in the first year, you can roll the credit over to pay tax debt accrued in the following years (for as long as the ITC is in effect.)
Do I need to purchase my system?
You may not have to buy a solar system outright to take advantage of the ITC. It’s possible to claim the credit with a solar loan, and sometimes the savings can be passed along as part of a solar lease.*
* Depending on your individual circumstances, you may or may not qualify. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its partners or customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar ITC and how it applies to your spec ific circumstances. Tax credits are subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org web site for detailed solar policy information.
