Solar incentives and grants

State solar incentives and public utility solar rebates - when available - can help pay for a substantial percentage of your solar powered system.

Solar Installers can help you

Certified installers can explain and inform you on solar tax incentives and grants. Professional solar installers should know federal and local incentives...

The next entries involve solar incentives in USA. For incentives and grants in other countries see Other Countries.

USA 2009-2016

Solar Hot Water Systems

Criteria to qualify for the solar tax credit:

- The energy generated by the “qualifying property” (half or more) should come from the sun; eligible expenses comprise the solar water heating system components and do not include the back-up gas components...
- The tax credit doesn't cover hot tubs and swimming pools, and the water must be used in the dwelling.
- The system should be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

Solar tax credit amount: 30% of the cost.

PV solar electricity systems (USA 2009-2016)

Criteria to qualify for the solar tax credit:

- The solar photovoltaic output should provide electricity for the dwelling.
- The project should meet applicable fire and electrical code requirements.

Solar tax credit amount: 30% of the cost.

USA Solar rebates, incentives and tax credits

Besides federal tax credits for solar heating systems and photovoltaics, you may benefit from local solar incentives.

See, for detailed information on state and municipal solar tax credits and incentives:
Database of USA State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Energy Star and tax credits information.

The Recovery Act (USA)

Many of the solar credit tax and other solar incentives in USA are or will be covered by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on 2009. It aims to enhance energy independence, improvement and efficiency.

For more information on this Act, see: The Recovery Act

Other countries: solar incentives and Rebates

Canada
Office of Energy Efficiency Grants and Incentives

Australia
For information on solar rebates in Australia use these links:
Rebates and Assistance
Solar credit facts
Solar hot water heater rebates (Victoria)
South Australia Water Heaters Rebate

UK
(solar incentives have been largely slashed, recently)
For information on solar incentives in the UK, see:
Grants and discounts database