To encourage people to install solar power in their homes, the U.S. government introduced federal solar tax credits for new residential and commercial systems. Find out how to take advantage of this lucrative credit with an online search right now.
Solar power energy provides benefits such as low pollution, energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Do your part, and save on solar energy, by learning everything you can about the federal tax credits available to you.
What Is a Tax Credit?
A tax credit is an amount of money that taxpayers can use to reduce the amount of money they would otherwise owe. Tax deductions are different as they reduce the amount of taxable income rather than taxes due.1 Federal and state governments grant tax credits to eligible individuals or organizations to encourage practices that benefit the environment, economy and other important avenues.
Federal Tax Credits for Solar Energy
The U.S. government introduced the federal residential solar energy credit, also called the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), in 2006. The solar energy industry has only grown since then, accounting for 50% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the U.S. at the beginning of 2022.2
To qualify for the tax credit, the system must be placed in service during the same tax year and generate electricity for a home in the U.S. The IRS designates placed in service systems as those with completed installations.3
As of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the government extended tax credits for solar energy systems but featured a gradual step down in credit value.4 The tax credit values are:
- 30% for systems placed in service by December 31, 2019.
- 26% for systems placed in service after December 31, 2019, and before January 1, 2023.
- 22% for systems placed in service after December 31, 2022, and before January 1, 2024.
The tax credit expires after December 31, 2023, and is not set for renewal. Although the tax credit only covers a portion of costs, there’s no maximum amount for claims.
Average % Savings From Solar Energy in the U.S.
Solar power helps reduce your carbon footprint but can also bring down your power bill. Solar systems can cost up to $17,000, but the federal solar tax credit and power bills can lead to net savings.5
Americans save approximately $1,500 per year by switching to solar energy, which works out to $37,500 over 25 years. Additionally, a 26% tax credit can save $4,420 on a $17,000 solar-powered system and result in only $12,180 for installation. When you divide the installation cost by average yearly savings, solar energy starts to pay for itself after about eight years.
