The Federal Government provides tax credits for residential small solar energy projects.* As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, tax credits are offered for individuals who purchase and install a small solar energy sytem through 2016. Owners of the project receive a tax credit worth 30% of the qualified expenditures for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer. As of 2009, there is no maximum. Qualified expenditures may include, but are not limited to

• Solar panels, inverters, batteries, mounting system
• Labor costs for onsite preparation
• Assembly or original system installation
• Wiring to interconnect a system to the home

Tax Credit Amount: 30% of total cost for small solar energy system.
Contact: Public Information - IRS
Phone Number: (800) 829-1040
Web Site: IRS & Federal Tax Credits For Renewable Energy Systems

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has published a three-page document that provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the federal tax credits for solar energy.

*This guidance is not intended as legal advice, and you should consult a tax professional with specific questions.