Solar Incentive Types Explained
The federal residential credit does not apply to a system installed in 2026. What remains are state and utility programs. Each works differently and is claimed on its own terms.
Ended for expenditures after Dec 31, 2025. A 2026 residential install cannot claim it. Model $0.
Net metering credits homeowners for excess solar energy sent back to the grid, often at retail or near-retail rates.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are tradable credits earned for every megawatt-hour of solar electricity produced.
A solar property tax exemption excludes the added home value from solar from your annual property tax assessment.
Solar sales tax exemptions remove state and local sales tax from solar equipment purchases at the point of sale.
Several states still offer their own income tax credits for residential solar. The federal residential credit does not apply to a 2026 install.
Many electric utilities offer upfront rebates that lower the cost of solar installation, typically distributed first-come, first-served.