GET YOUR MONEY BACK
The government took your tax dollars. Here’s how to claw back 30% — cash, in YOUR pocket. You earned it. It’s yours. Here’s exactly how to get it.
THE 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT: YOUR MONEY COMING HOME
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRS Form 5695) lets you claim 30% of your total solar system cost as a direct tax credit.
Not a deduction. Not a rebate. A CREDIT — meaning it comes directly off your tax bill, dollar for dollar.
What does 30% actually mean?
| System Cost | 30% Credit | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $4,500 | $10,500 |
| $20,000 | $6,000 | $14,000 |
| $24,000 | $7,200 | $16,800 |
| $30,000 | $9,000 | $21,000 |
This isn’t “up to” 30%. This isn’t “after rebates.” This is exactly 30% of what you spend on a qualifying solar installation.
Source: IRS.gov, Form 5695 and Instructions, 2024.
WHAT QUALIFIES
The following costs count toward the 30% credit:
- Solar panels (photovoltaic modules)
- Labor costs for installation
- Wiring and electrical components
- Mounting hardware and racking
- Battery storage systems (if paired with solar)
- Permit fees directly related to installation
What does NOT qualify: Extended warranties, financing charges, smart home upgrades unrelated to solar.
The system must be installed at your primary or secondary residence in the United States. Rental properties qualify under different rules.
THE DOMESTIC CONTENT BONUS: AN EXTRA 10%
If you use American-made panels from our Buy American page, you may qualify for the Domestic Content Bonus — an additional 10% credit.
That’s 40% total off your system cost.
| System Cost | 40% Credit | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $24,000 | $9,600 | $14,400 |
| $30,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
Requirements for domestic content bonus:
- Panels made in the United States (or by qualifying American manufacturers)
- Steel, iron, and manufactured products predominantly from the U.S.
- Installer documentation certifying domestic content (get it in writing)
Source: IRS.gov, Notice 2023-29.
STATE INCENTIVES: MORE MONEY ON THE TABLE
On top of the federal 30%, most states offer additional incentives. Here are some examples:
| State | Incentive Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | No state income tax (can’t deduct — but also no sales tax on solar) | ~6% savings |
| Florida | Property tax exemption on added home value | Varies |
| California | Net Energy Metering 3.0 | Bill credits for excess power |
| Arizona | State income tax credit | Up to $1,000 |
| New York | State tax credit | Up to $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | State tax credit + SMART Program | 15% + payments |
Find YOUR state’s incentives: DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) at dsireusa.org — government database, no spin.
Source: DSIRE (NC State University, U.S. DOE funded), 2024.
UTILITY REBATES: SQUEEZE EVERY DOLLAR
Many utilities offer rebates on solar installations. Yes — the very monopoly that’s been raising your rates for years will sometimes pay you to install solar, because state law requires them to.
Check your utility’s website under “Renewable Energy Programs” or “Solar Incentives.” Rebates range from $0 to several thousand dollars depending on your utility and state.
Common utility rebate programs:
- Xcel Energy: Up to $1,500 (Colorado/Minnesota)
- LADWP: Up to $0.10/watt (Los Angeles)
- Pacific Gas & Electric: Self Generation Incentive Program
- Duke Energy: NC Solar Rebate Program
Note: Utility rebates may reduce your federal tax credit basis. Always confirm with a tax professional. But do NOT let complexity stop you from claiming what’s yours.
NET METERING: YOUR METER RUNS BACKWARDS
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, that excess power flows back to the grid. With net metering, your utility has to credit you for it — effectively running your meter backwards.
- Send power TO the grid during the day
- Draw from your grid credits at night
- Your bill = net usage, not gross usage
44 states + D.C. have mandatory net metering laws. Your utility cannot opt out.
Source: DSIRE, Net Metering Policy Database, 2024.
HOW TO CLAIM YOUR CREDIT: THE SIMPLE VERSION
- Get your installation receipt — you need total system cost documentation
- Complete IRS Form 5695 — “Residential Energy Credits”
- Enter the credit on Schedule 3 of Form 1040, Line 5
- File with your taxes for the year the system was placed in service
- If credit exceeds your tax liability — it carries forward to the following year
You do NOT need a tax professional to claim this credit (though you can use one). The IRS instructions for Form 5695 are straightforward. The government made it easy because they WANT you to claim it.
Download Form 5695: irs.gov/Form5695
THE TIMELINE: DON’T MISS A DOLLAR
| Event | ITC Rate |
|---|---|
| System installed by Dec 31, 2032 | 30% |
| System installed 2033 | 26% |
| System installed 2034 | 22% |
| 2035 and beyond | Expires (unless Congress extends) |
Install now while the full 30% is guaranteed. Waiting costs you money.
THE BOTTOM LINE: YOUR MONEY IS WAITING
The government took 30% of your earned income over the years. Here’s your legal, authorized, IRS-approved way to take some of it back.
On a $24,000 system: $7,200 back in your pocket.
With domestic content bonus: $9,600 back in your pocket.
Plus state incentives: potentially $10,000-$12,000 total back.
That’s YOUR money. They took it. Here’s how you get it back.
What are you waiting for?
STOP WAITING. START CLAIMING. 🇺🇸
- BUY AMERICAN → — Get the extra 10% domestic content bonus
- THE MONOPOLY SCAM → — Why solar pays off even faster
- BUILD IT YOURSELF → — DIY means more savings, more independence
DATA SOURCED FROM: (We’re using THEIR data against them) IRS.gov — Form 5695, Instructions and Publication 946 | IRS.gov — Notice 2023-29 (Domestic Content Bonus) | DSIRE (NC State University / U.S. DOE) — State Incentives Database | NREL — Incentives Analysis 2024 | Individual state tax authority websites