As the world increasingly embraces sustainable energy solutions, the popularity of solar panels has soared for both residential and commercial energy generation. Beyond the environmental benefits, solar energy offers a plethora of tax incentives , like the federal solar tax credit, that can significantly bolster the financial position of savvy individuals.
In this blog, we explore the various tax benefits associated with solar panels, ranging from federal tax credits to state and local incentives, that make solar investments an environmentally and financially prudent choice.
Overview of Tax Incentives and Benefits
The government incentivizes solar energy adoption through a variety of tax breaks and benefits. These incentives aim to promote renewable energy while reducing the financial burden of solar installations for both individuals and businesses.
In addition to federal incentives, many states and local governments offer their own tax breaks and incentives to encourage solar energy adoption. These incentives can take various forms, such as tax credits, grants, rebates, low-interest loans for solar installation and property tax exemptions. The availability and value of these incentives vary by location, making it necessary for individuals to research the benefits specific to their region.
The Federal Investment Tax Credit
One of the most impactful incentives for solar investments is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Under the ITC, eligible homeowners and businesses can deduct a percentage of the total cost of their solar energy system from their federal income taxes. In 2020 and 2021 the tax credit for solar systems was 26 percent but in August of 2022, Congress increased the tax credit to 30 percent.
It's important to note that the ITC is a nonrefundable tax credit, meaning that it can only offset your tax liability and cannot generate a tax refund on its own. However, the unused portion of the credit can be carried forward to future tax years, allowing you to maximize its benefits over time.
Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The production tax credit (PTC) is for commercial use only. Under the PTC, eligible renewable energy projects, including solar, receive a corporate tax credit for each unit of clean energy they generate during their initial years of operation. Typically, businesses can claim either the production tax credit or the investment tax credit, but not both (though some exceptions do exist).
Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System
Another tax incentive comes through the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), which classifies solar panels as five-year property for tax purposes. This classification means you can depreciate the cost of solar installations over five years, leading to significant tax deductions during that period.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) represent the environmental attributes of generating renewable energy. Installing solar panels allows individuals and businesses to generate SRECs based on the amount of solar energy produced.
SRECs can be a valuable source of additional income. Some states require utility companies to purchase SRECs to meet renewable energy targets, providing solar panel owners with an opportunity to sell or trade these certificates. Understanding the market value of SRECs and exploring opportunities to sell or trade them can add to the financial returns of solar investments.
Property Tax Exemptions
Some states offer property tax exemptions for residential and commercial properties that have installed solar panels. These exemptions can shield your property's increased value due to solar installations from property tax assessments. Property tax exemptions are particularly appealing for high net worth individuals as they offer a sustained financial advantage over the years. This tax relief ensures that your solar investment not only saves on energy bills but also contributes to overall property tax savings.
Energy Efficiency Deductions
Solar panels not only generate renewable energy but also contribute to increased energy efficiency in your property. The IRS offers specific deductions for investments in energy-efficient property under the Energy Policy Act. While not exclusive to solar panels, this provision allows individuals to deduct a portion of the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, including solar installations, on their tax return. These deductions can further complement the tax benefits derived from other solar incentives.
Federal Solar Tax Credit: The Takeaway
As solar energy gains momentum as a viable and sustainable electricity source, individuals stand to benefit from a host of tax incentives and breaks. But navigating the complexities of solar tax benefits requires a tailored approach that aligns with your unique circumstances. Seeking professional advice is essential to ensure that you harness the full financial potential of solar energy, while simultaneously making a positive impact on the environment.
This commentary is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal, investment, or tax advice. The information was obtained from third party resources that Carnegie Investment Counsel deems to be reliable and accurate as of the date of this publication.
Carnegie Investment Counsel (“Carnegie”) is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For a more detailed discussion about Carnegie’s investment advisory services and fees, please view our Form ADV and Form CRS by visiting: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/150488
