The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets homeowners deduct 30% of their total solar installation cost from federal taxes — dollar for dollar. On a $20,000 system, that is a $6,000 credit. Here is exactly how it works.
The 30% federal tax credit is just the starting point. Most states add their own rebates, income tax credits, property tax exemptions, and sales tax exemptions on top. In some states, stacking all available incentives cuts your net solar cost by 50–60%.
In states with active SREC markets, homeowners earn tradeable certificates for every 1,000 kWh their solar panels produce — worth $50–$400 each. A 7 kW system in New Jersey can generate $400–$1,200 per year in SREC income on top of electricity savings.