Tax Credit?

Travis Watson

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Aug 6, 2017
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Long time lurker,I'm toying with the idea of building my own packs instead of buying. One potentially big item is the Solar Investment Tax Credit in the US. That 30% can be pretty significant for a larger wall. Anyone have experience or thoughts about that credit related to these builds?
 
Well, not necessarily a licensed 'Company', per se, but a licensed installer. So if you have a friend who's licensed and can write up the report saying it's up to spec (which, you would have to make sure it is on your part; no lieing to the IRS), then you might be able to get your credit. But that does pose a potential problem for those who want to get the credit.

Now, to make your packs and everything to code, I'm not sure what you'd need to do. It might just need to be everything is UL-listed, in a protective housing, breakers on everything, and must easily be able to be disconnected by emergency personnel. Or, it could be a bit more picky than that. Not sure.

So, maybe you know a friend who knows a friend who knows a friend that could give you some pointers. You never know who owes someone else a favor ;)
 
Its kind of same in sweden. You need someone to sigh it off. I could potentially sign my own off due to my own company I have.

Im going to try to do this later this year when all is done so that i can show up good images and layout of it.
 
Hmm ok. I can't find anything about certified installers or how I'd even find one. I did find this site which has some interesting wording:https://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/5-things-know-you-claim-your-energy-tax-credit-part-1

"Be aware that you can install the products above yourself, but you cannot claim labor and installation costs if you do so."

I figured I wouldn't be able to deduct labor if I self installed, but that's no surprise.

However I can't find any mention of certified installer requirement, where I could find one, or even the process for becoming one.

I'll keep searching but this feels promising.


Oh there is one tricky thing, IF you get audited you have to prove when the system went into service. Not sure how I'd keep record of that without an installation contract (my install won't have sellback). Maybe some email time-stamped photos? :s
 
You might wanna contact a Tax preparer. They may be able to help in that field.

Here's the tax form you'd use. This could help in searches: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf

http://dsireusa.org/
http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/1235

http://www.solarreviews.com/solar-power/rebates-and-incentives-solar-power-systems-usa/


Everywhere I look that shows the actual information about the credit says "Qualified". So, how do you prove it's qualified? I'm guessing there's certified document showing it's legit by an official contractor or something.
 
There is nothing your going to do that is diy that will get you a solar tax credit in the usa.
Everything has to be approved with your power company and they have a list of acceptable items.
Some places will let you install but it has to be inspected by licensed people and the building inspector and the power company.
 
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