Short answer: If your solar system was installed by December 31, 2025, you can still claim the 30% federal tax credit on your 2025 return, and carry forward any unused amount. For systems installed in 2026, the homeowner credit is gone. Florida's sales-tax and property-tax exemptions and net metering still apply.
What you can still claim
- The 30% credit for 2025 installs. File IRS Form 5695 with your 2025 tax return.
- Carryforward. If your credit was bigger than your tax bill, the unused part carries forward to future years.
- Batteries installed in 2025 qualified too, whether added with panels or on their own.
What you can't claim anymore
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025, under the federal budget law signed in July 2025. That includes solar panels and home batteries. Paying a deposit in 2025 doesn't change this for a system installed in 2026.
Florida incentives that still apply
- No sales tax on solar energy equipment.
- Property-tax exemption for the value residential solar adds to your home.
- Net metering: FPL credits excess power at the retail rate on your bill. Co-ops and city utilities set their own terms.
There's no Florida state solar tax credit, because Florida has no state income tax. Statewide cash rebates for residential solar aren't generally available, so check any rebate a salesperson promises directly with the utility or program named.
Claiming the 2025 credit: a quick checklist
- Your installation contract and final invoice
- Proof of payment
- The date the installation was completed
- IRS Form 5695, with the total going onto Form 1040
A tax professional can check the details. Mistakes are usually about the tax year or about which costs count.
Leases and PPAs
If you lease a system or buy its power under a PPA, you don't claim a credit yourself. The company that owns it may claim a commercial credit for a limited time, so ask how that's reflected in your price.
Frequently asked questions
My system was installed in January 2026. Can I claim anything?
Not the federal homeowner credit. You still get Florida's sales-tax and property-tax exemptions, and net-metering credits on your bill.
Do I need to amend an old return?
Only if you missed the credit in the year your system was installed. Ask a tax professional.
Does the property-tax exemption happen automatically?
Check with your county property appraiser that it's been applied after your installation.
Talk to us about solar in 2026 or call (850) 737-5197.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.