RESIDENTIAL
A 30% tax credit allows you, as the homeowner, to claim a credit on your federal tax return worth 30% of the solar array installed cost. Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement in order to qualify for the tax credit. This credit can be carried forward to future tax years if it is not claimed in its entirety in the year that the solar panels are installed. For example, let’s say you’re claiming a $2,500 credit on a $2,000 tax bill – you can’t use the credit to get $500 back from the IRS. Instead, you’ll carry over the credit to the following tax year.
Tax Credit vs. Deduction
A tax credit is taken directly off your tax payment, rather than as a deduction from your taxable income. The solar panel tax credit may be applied to a primary residence, a vacation home, and for either an existing structure or new construction. Other than the cost of the system, there is no limit on the dollar amount of the credit.