PEPCO BGE Southern Maryland Solar Tax Incentives
Switching to Solar Technology Has Never Been More Beneficial!
2016 Solar Installation Benefits:
In an effort to increase Solar Energy use in the U.S, the EPA & Department of Energy offers tax credits to individuals with solar-powered systems. Solar power emits zero pollutants into the environment. It reduces use the need for coal and other fossil fuels, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. There is no negative impact on energy output by switching from traditional electricity to Solar Energy; in fact, most users experience a surplus in power by making the decision to Go Solar. With all of these benefits in mind, the government runs the Energy Star Program to encourage Americans to pursue natural alternatives to coal and fossil fuels.
Individuals MUST install a Solar Panel System in their home or commercial business before the end of 2016 in order to maintain eligibility for an Energy Star Tax Rebate. As a credit, you will take the amount directly off of your tax payment, rather than as a deduction from your taxable income. You can claim the credit for your primary residence, a vacation home, and for either an existing structure or new construction. Other than the cost of the system, there is not limit to the dollar amount.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED MARYLAND TAX REBATE INFORMATION
Federal Solar and Wind Tax Credits
What types of solar electric systems qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit?*
ANY complete solar power package, for home or business.
Emergency battery backup system, as long as the purchase includes at least one solar panel.
Product purchases that expand your existing solar power system and include at least one solar panel.
Solar System for RV and boat that has been accepted by the IRS as a second home for tax purposes.**
Some Facts Regarding Eligibility of the Federal Tax Credit: *
The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.
If the federal tax credit exceeds your tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year.
There is no ceiling on the tax credit.
Applies to equipment AND installation costs.
For Residential Renewable Energy Systems, use IRS Tax Form 5695 to report your expenses. (It can be used for any residence, not just your primary one.) Learn more about residential tax credits.
Commercial systems have similar guidelines as residential systems but use IRS Tax Form 3468. Lean more about commercial tax credits.
Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2016. (See details below.)
See other state, county, city and utility company rebates and incentives.
* Every individual’s tax situation is different. Please consult a tax professional to make sure your situation is applicable.
Federal Tax Credits in effect through 2016
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was signed into law on October 1, 2008, was a boon to the renewable energy market. Not only was the 30% commercial solar investment tax credit extended through 2016, but the same tax credit was also extended to residential installations.
Under this legislation the previous $2,000 cap for residential solar installations was eliminated. As of January 1, 2009, the purchase of a residential solar electric system makes you eligible for a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of your solar system, including installation. See full information on how you may use the tax credit.
Federal Tax Credit for Solar
FEDERAL TAX CREDITS AND RELATED TOPICS
State and Local Incentives
Residential Federal Tax Credit
Commercial Federal Tax Credit
The Cost of a Solar Electric System for your Home
Solar Leasing Options
View Virginia incentives
RVs and the Solar Federal Tax Credit
** Every individual’s tax situation is different. Please consult a tax professional to make sure your situation is applicable. The following is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The law permitting the federal tax credit is 26 USC Section 25D. It says:
(2) Qualified solar electric property expenditure
The term “qualified solar electric property expenditure” means an expenditure for property which uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer.
And the IRS definition of “dwelling unit”:
A dwelling unit includes a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat, vacation home, or similar property. It also includes all structures or other property belonging to the dwelling unit. A dwelling unit has basic living accommodations, such as sleeping space, a toilet, and cooking facilities.
Finally, is an RV considered a mobile home? For that we look to this US Tax Court memo 2014-160 on Jackon & Jackson v. Commissioner, page 14:
This Court has previously held that a motor home qualifies as a dwelling unit within the meaning of section 280A(f)(1)(A). See, e.g., Haberkorn v. Commissioner, 75 T.C. 259, 260 (1980); Dunford v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2013-189, at *23-*24; Perry v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 1996-194, slip op. at 14.
Although we use the more modern term throughout this opinion, an RV and a motor home are one and the same thing. Petitioners and counsel used the two terms interchangeably at trial. Accordingly, petitioners’ RV is a dwelling unit for purposes of section 280A.
This information is a starting place for research only. We are not tax professionals and this does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you are uncertain, please check with a tax professional first!
