Incentives

Solar incentives in 2026: what's real.

The incentive landscape changed and a lot of ads haven't caught up. Here's the honest picture — what ended, what still exists, and how $0-down pricing actually works now.

FREE QUOTE

See your real $0-down options.

30 seconds. No obligation. Get matched with a vetted local installer.

Quotes that document every assumption
PPA, lease, and loan structures compared
Vetted, A-rated local installers only

By clicking Get My Free Quote, you agree EnergyPros and its partners may contact you by phone, text, or email about your project, including via automated technology, at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg/data rates may apply. See Privacy & Terms.

Prefer to talk now? Call a home pro: (832) 384-4323

Last updated June 6, 2026•Reviewed by the EnergyPros editorial team

Solar incentives are real, but the landscape changed significantly — and a lot of advertising hasn't caught up. This page gives you the honest picture so you can evaluate quotes without falling for outdated or inflated claims. EnergyPros does not provide tax advice; treat this as orientation, not guidance for your specific situation.

The federal picture changed

The federal residential clean-energy tax credit that powered years of "30% off" advertising was eliminated for homeowner-purchased systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. If an ad today promises you a federal tax credit for buying solar, treat it as a red flag and verify with a tax professional before signing anything.

Why $0-down third-party ownership still works

With a PPA or lease, the third-party system owner — not you — monetizes whatever incentives remain available to commercial owners, and that economics is part of how $0-down, below-utility per-kWh pricing is offered. You benefit through the rate, not through a tax filing. How PPAs work →

State, utility, and local incentives still exist

State programs: some states offer their own tax credits, rebates, or performance incentives (for example, New Mexico's state solar credit and Massachusetts' state credit have historically applied — verify current status).
Utility programs: some utilities offer rebates, battery programs, or favorable rate structures.
Property/sales tax treatment: many states exempt solar from added property tax or sales tax.
Net metering: arguably the most valuable "incentive" — your export credit policy. How net metering works →

The authoritative, current source for your address is DSIRE (the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) — check it rather than trusting ad copy.

How to evaluate incentive claims in a quote

Ask which incentives the quote assumes, who receives each one, and what the price is without them.
Be skeptical of urgency framing ("program ends Friday") — legitimate programs publish real deadlines.
Get incentive claims in writing, and verify tax items with a tax professional, not a salesperson.

Sources used in this guide

EnergyPros does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Incentive availability depends on your location, system ownership structure, installation date, and current law. Verify programs through DSIRE and a qualified tax professional before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 30% federal solar tax credit still available?

Not for homeowner-purchased systems placed in service after December 31, 2025 — the residential credit was eliminated. Verify your specific situation with a tax professional; EnergyPros does not provide tax advice.

Then how is $0-down solar still cheap?

Third-party ownership (PPA/lease): the system owner monetizes incentives available to commercial owners and offers you a per-kWh rate typically below your utility's. You benefit through the rate rather than a tax filing.

What incentives does my state offer?

It varies — some states offer credits, rebates, or tax exemptions, and utilities add their own programs. Check DSIRE for current, address-specific programs and have your installer document what the quote assumes.

Are 'free solar' government programs real?

No. 'Free solar' and 'the government will pay for it' are red-flag claims regulators have acted against. Real $0-down options exist, but they are financing structures, not giveaways.