What changed federally
The IRS states that the Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for expenditures made after December 31, 2025. That means a 2026 homeowner proposal should not simply subtract the former credit from the displayed “net cost.” Review the current IRS guidance and consult a qualified tax professional for your situation.
What may still exist
- State tax credits, rebates or property-tax treatment
- Utility rebates, demand-response or battery programs
- Net-metering or export-credit structures
- Local grants, low-interest financing or income-qualified programs
- Programs for tribal lands, rural communities or resilience projects
- Manufacturer or installer promotions, which are commercial discounts rather than government incentives
Use a verification checklist
- Identify the program administrator—not only the program name.
- Confirm technology, income, location and installer requirements.
- Check reservation or preapproval rules before work begins.
- Confirm funding availability and whether benefits can be combined.
- Save current program pages and written confirmations with your contract.
Do not confuse a tax credit with a rebate
A credit may depend on tax rules and eligibility; a rebate may require preapproval or have limited funding. Neither should be represented as cash in hand unless the program actually works that way.