Part of a bigger guide
See the full 2026 incentive picture
This page is part of our complete guide to solar and EV incentives in 2026, which also connects the EV charger deadline, current-law solar value analysis, and the relevant calculators.
Open the incentives hubWhat changed
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, 2025, ended the homeowner 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar panels and battery storage after December 31, 2025. There is no phase-down for homeowner-purchased systems installed in 2026 or later.
If your system was installed before 2026
Homeowners who installed and paid eligible costs by December 31, 2025 can still claim the historical 30% credit on a 2025 federal tax return. That is typically done with IRS Form 5695 when you file your 2025 return by April 15, 2026 or under a valid extension.
What may still help in 2026
State rebates, utility programs, and net-metering rules are separate from the expired homeowner federal credit and can still materially change project economics. If you are comparing a lease or PPA, ask the provider whether any commercial incentive is reflected in your pricing rather than assuming a homeowner credit still exists.
Separate rule for EV chargers
The federal EV charger credit is a different program. For qualifying homes in eligible census tracts, Section 30C can still cover up to 30% of charger and installation costs, capped at $1,000, for equipment placed in service by June 30, 2026.
Official sources
Review the IRS pages for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, Form 5695, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, and Form 8911. For charger address eligibility, use the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit guidance.
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