Questions
Straight answers about 2026 solar incentives — how our estimates work and where our figures come from.
The federal residential credit (Section 25D) expired for systems installed after December 31, 2025. The commercial credit (Section 48E) that farms and businesses use is still in place in 2026.
It depends on who you are. For businesses and farms, the commercial credit + depreciation keep solar very attractive. For homeowners, value now comes from utility-bill savings, net metering, and battery backup rather than a federal credit — which still pencils out in higher-rate states.
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Every incentive figure traces to a primary source (IRS, USDA, EIA) and carries a 'last verified' date. Modeled estimates are clearly labeled as estimates — never presented as guarantees.
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Often, yes. The federal residential credit (25D) ended for systems installed after Dec 31, 2025, but home solar still offsets rising utility bills, earns net-metering credit, and — paired with a battery — keeps the lights on during outages. Our calculator uses your state's real electricity rate to estimate your payback based on current rules, not an expired credit.
One big thing: the 30% federal tax credit is gone for residential systems. Everything else — net metering, state incentives, your utility's rate — still applies and varies by state. We show only what's real for your address.
Not necessarily, but it matters more than it used to. As more states shift from full retail net metering to net billing, storing your own production (instead of exporting it cheaply) improves the economics and adds outage protection.
We size a system from your roof (using Google's Solar data when available) or your bill, then apply your state's actual electricity rate and net-metering rules. It's a sourced estimate — not a guarantee. A local installer confirms the final numbers.
Yes. You never pay PanelPerks. We earn a referral fee from the solar partner if you choose to get a quote, and it doesn't change your price.
The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants and loan guarantees for rural and agricultural energy projects. As of 2026, new grant awards are paused pending updated rules — so we show its live status rather than promising a grant that isn't currently being awarded. Treat REAP as potential upside, not a guarantee.
Farms use the commercial pathway: the Section 48E credit (≈30%, up to ~50% with domestic-content and energy-community adders) plus first-year bonus depreciation. Together these often cover 45–70% of project cost — independent of REAP.
Generally if you derive at least half your income from agriculture. That can affect REAP eligibility and how a project is structured. We flag the distinction; confirm the specifics with a tax professional.
Yes — solar plus storage suits irrigation pumps, barns, and off-grid loads, and hedges against rising diesel and outage costs. Our estimate focuses on grid-tied bill savings; ask an installer about off-grid sizing.
We size and price from your state's real commercial electricity rate and the federal stack that still applies in 2026. Estimates are clearly labeled and sourced (IRS, USDA, EIA); a local installer confirms your project.
The base commercial credit is ≈30%. Meeting domestic-content requirements adds up to +10 points, and siting in a federal 'energy community' adds another +10 — pushing the credit toward ~50% when you qualify. Prevailing-wage/apprenticeship and project-size rules can apply, so verify before relying on a specific figure.
Commercial solar is eligible for accelerated (MACRS) and first-year bonus depreciation. Combined with the 48E credit, businesses typically recover ~45–55% of project cost. The exact treatment is contested for post-2024 projects, so we present it as a range — confirm with your tax advisor.
Yes. Eligibility and adder qualification can hinge on when construction begins and other deadlines. Timing is one of the most consequential variables — get professional guidance before committing.
We estimate from your commercial electricity bill and your state's commercial rate. A site assessment refines it based on roof or land, your load profile, and demand charges.
No — it's a sourced estimate to set expectations. When you're ready, we connect you with commercial installers for a real quote. It's free to you.
Still curious how the 2026 rules shake out? Read the full 2026 incentive guide.
Free, no obligation, sourced from the IRS, USDA, and EIA.