The big change. The 30% federal tax credit for homeowner-owned solar and batteries (Section 25D) does not apply to systems installed after December 31, 2025. The IRS says an expenditure counts when installation is completed, so paying early does not help. IRS FAQ
Federal rules in 2026
| You are… | Federal credit | Key dates and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Buying solar (cash or loan) | None for new installations | Ended for installations completed after December 31, 2025. Unused credit from an earlier system can carry forward. Form 5695 instructions |
| Buying a home battery | None for new installations | Same Section 25D deadline applies to battery storage. |
| Leasing or signing a PPA | The company may claim Section 48E (up to 30% for small systems) | It is the owner's credit, not yours. Solar must be in service by December 31, 2027 unless construction began by July 4, 2026; foreign-entity sourcing rules apply to projects started from 2026. The 2025 law's lease restriction covers only solar water heating and small wind (s.25D(d)(1) and (4)). Form 3468 instructions |
| Leasing a battery | The company may claim Section 48E | Storage is not subject to the 2027 solar cutoff; it phases down only for construction starting in 2034 or later. |
| Importing panels | — | Section 232 polysilicon measures take effect December 4, 2026: minimum import prices (modules $0.38/W, cells $0.22/W) plus duties. Proclamation 11052 |
Lease and PPA offers are now common. In EnergySage's first-half-2026 marketplace data, average PPA rates were below local grid rates in every state it measured; that is a sample comparison, not a promise. Compare the full payment schedule, escalator and buyout terms in our lease calculator.
All states at a glance
| State | Avg. price | Quoted cost | kWh per kW/yr | State tax credit | Performance payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $2.27/W | 1,788 | 25%, max $1,000 | — |
| California | 32.99¢ | $2.52/W | 1,705 | None verified | — |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $2.64/W | 1,647 | None verified | — |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $2.12/W | 1,554 | None verified | — |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $2.50/W | 1,439 | None verified | — |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $3.43/W | 1,594 | 35%, max $5,000 | — |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $2.96/W | 1,342 | None verified | Illinois Shines (REC payments): Up to 10 kW AC: $80.77/REC ComEd, $70.37/REC Ameren; +$20/REC if you own the system and claim no federal credit |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $2.90/W | 1,343 | 15%, max $1,000 | SMART 3.0: 3.0¢/kWh, 20 yrs |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $2.37/W | 1,797 | None verified | — |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $2.59/W | 1,341 | None verified | SuSI ADI (SREC-II): 7.7¢/kWh, 15 yrs |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $2.75/W | 1,260 | 25%, max $5,000 | — |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $2.44/W | 1,443 | None verified | — |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $2.59/W | 1,393 | None verified | Solar Alternative Energy Credits (SRECs): Market price, not fixed |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $2.25/W | 1,485 | None verified | — |
Avg. price: EIA residential average revenue per kWh, Aug 2025–Jul 2026 (includes fixed charges; not your marginal rate). Quoted cost: EnergySage marketplace average before incentives, Sep 25, 2026. Output: NREL PVWatts for one city per state, south-facing, 30° tilt, 14% losses.
Arizona
State tax credit: Arizona Credit for Solar Energy Devices (Form 310): 25% of the cost, up to $1,000 per residence, nonrefundable, 5-year carryforward. For systems you own. Source
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| State solar tax credit For owned systems. Do not apply it to lease or PPA payments. | 25% of cost, max $1,000 | Open | Yes |
| Sales tax (TPT) deduction Municipal tax treatment not verified. | Qualifying solar device sales deducted from the state tax base | Open | No |
| Property tax exclusion | Qualifying on-site solar excluded from property value | Open | No |
| Export credits (RCP) Rates step down each year for new customers; your rate locks when you apply. | APS 5.554 cents, TEP 4.62 cents, SRP export plans 1.87 cents per kWh | Changing | Yes |
| APS Storage Rewards / TEP Energy Storage Rewards Pays for letting the utility use your battery; not a purchase rebate. Budgets and caps not verified. | APS $110 and TEP $120 per average kW per season of battery dispatch | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- APS. APS Resource Comparison Proxy (RCP): 5.554 cents/kWh for applications Sep 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2027, locked for 10 years from interconnection. Source
- SRP. SRP export price plans credit exports at 1.87 cents/kWh (from May 2026 billing, updated each May). SRP Customer Generation / Average Demand plans instead use monthly netting with demand charges. Source
- TEP. TEP RCP export rate 4.62 cents/kWh from Oct 1, 2026 (was 5.13), locked for up to 10 years. Source
What changed recently
- APS new-customer export rate fell to 5.554 cents (Sep 1, 2026).
- TEP export rate fell to 4.62 cents (Oct 1, 2026).
- SRP export rate is 1.87 cents from May 2026 billing; a temporary 0.38 cent import discount applies only May-Oct 2026.
Not yet verified: Full APS/SRP/TEP import rate schedules; UniSource and co-op export rates; Battery program budgets and caps; Municipal sales tax treatment. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Arizona solar calculator
California
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Billing Tariff (Solar Billing Plan) Applies to new customers since April 15, 2023. Our estimate values exports at $0 because prices vary by hour; self-used solar is valued at the retail average. | Hourly export prices, well below retail at most hours | Open | Yes |
| SGIP Residential Solar and Storage Equity Income-qualified (80% of area median income or below, or listed assistance programs). PG&E lists it as closed with a waitlist; San Diego funds are fully reserved. | $3,100/kW solar + $1,100/kWh storage | Waitlist | No |
| PG&E Residential Storage Initiative PG&E says 2026 batteries are almost gone. Targeted, not statewide. | Free backup battery for selected eligible customers | Limited | No |
| DAC-SASH Current incentive amount and availability not verified. | Solar for CARE/FERA households in disadvantaged communities | Open | No |
| Property tax new-construction exclusion (R&TC s.73) 2025 legislation (SB 710) changes how the exclusion ends and is claimed from January 1, 2027. Check with your county assessor for 2027+ installations. | Adding qualifying solar does not trigger reassessment | Changing | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- PG&E. Solar Billing Plan (Net Billing Tariff): exports are paid hourly avoided-cost prices that vary by hour and month; there is no single cents/kWh figure. PG&E also added a base services charge (about $24/month for most customers) from March 2026. Source
- SCE. Solar Billing Plan: hourly export prices by vintage, locked for 9 years. Use SCE's published table. Base Services Charge about $24.15/month (from Nov 2025). Source
- SDG&E. Solar Billing Plan: published hourly export prices (2026 vintage). For context, SDG&E's Sep 2026 true-up adjustments for all Solar Billing Plan customers total about 11 cents/kWh (a population average, not your export rate). Base Services Charge $0.79343/day (from Aug 1, 2026). Source
What changed recently
- PG&E base services charge from March 2026.
- 2026 export-price vintages for the Solar Billing Plan.
- SGIP equity funds closed/waitlisted in PG&E and San Diego areas.
Not yet verified: SMUD, LADWP and other publicly owned utility export rates; Full import rate schedules and income-tier fixed charges; SCE-area SGIP balances; DAC-SASH amount. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the California solar calculator
Colorado
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential battery tax credit Purchases through tax year 2026 only (SB25-026). Dollar cap not verified. | 10% of battery equipment price (not installation) | Ending soon | No |
| Xcel Renewable Battery Connect Reopened May 21, 2026. Budget snapshot Sep 1, 2026: $11.3M general, $6.3M income-qualified. | $250/kW (max $5,000); income-qualified $1,000/kW; disproportionately impacted communities $500/kW; plus $100/yr for 5 years | Open | No |
| State sales/use tax exemption Local sales taxes vary. | Qualifying solar components; residential storage through 2032 | Open | No |
| Residential renewable property exemption | Systems under 100 kW serving the home | Open | No |
| CORE Electric Cooperative net metering | Retail monthly netting (10 kW AC or less); yearly excess at 4.616 cents from May 2026 | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Xcel Energy. Net metering at retail kWh value; leftover yearly credits are cashed out at avoided cost (current value not verified, not counted). Source (partly verified)
What changed recently
- Xcel battery incentives revised and reopened May 21, 2026.
- State battery tax credit covers purchases through 2026 only.
Not yet verified: Xcel current all-in rate and avoided-cost cash-out; United Power, Black Hills and municipal utility export rules; Solar*Rewards payments. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Colorado solar calculator
Florida
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales tax exemption | Qualifying solar systems and parts | Open | No |
| Property tax exclusion | Added value of residential renewable devices (incl. qualifying storage) excluded | Open | No |
| Net metering (FPL, Duke, TECO) | Retail monthly credit; yearly excess at avoided cost | Open | Yes |
| OUC battery rebate Taking it gives up OUC retail net-metering grandfathering. | $150/kWh, max $2,000 | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- FPL. Florida net metering rule: monthly retail netting with credits carried forward; unused yearly excess is paid at avoided cost (December settlement), not retail. Source
- Duke Energy Florida. Same state net metering rule (FPSC 25-6.065). Source
- Tampa Electric. Same state net metering rule (FPSC 25-6.065). Source
- OUC. From Nov 1, 2026, customers who connected after June 30, 2025 are credited at OUC's Community Solar Energy Rate (cents not verified, not counted) instead of retail; solar banking ends. Source (partly verified)
What changed recently
- OUC moves new solar customers off retail credits on Nov 1, 2026.
- Duke Energy Florida's temporary June-September 2026 bill reduction has ended.
Not yet verified: Yearly avoided-cost cash-out values; JEA, FPUC and co-op rules; Battery sales tax treatment. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Florida solar calculator
Georgia
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power RNR export credit Systems over 10 kW AC are not paid for exports. | 7.2188 cents/kWh (2026) | Open | Yes |
| Utility or state rebates | Georgia Power says neither it nor the State currently offers residential solar rebates | None offered | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Georgia Power. RNR instantaneous netting: exports paid 3.2188 cents (2026 solar avoided cost) + 4 cent adder = 7.2188 cents/kWh. Residential systems up to 10 kW AC; first come, first served until the program cap. The old monthly netting program filled in 2021. Source
What changed recently
- 2026 avoided-cost rate (3.2188 cents) for exports.
- Fuel-rate reduction approved May 28, 2026.
Not yet verified: EMC (co-op) export rules; State tax exemptions; Full Georgia Power residential tariff. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Georgia solar calculator
Hawaii
State tax credit: Hawaii Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit (single-family PV): 35% of cost, up to $5,000 per system. Act 24 (signed May 21, 2026) puts a $40 million yearly statewide cap on these credits, starting with 2026 systems claimed in 2027. Executive Order 26-02 exempts systems completed before May 21, 2026, or where you can show you invested in the project before that date. Systems started later may get less if the cap is reached, and more changes apply after 2026. Source
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii RETITC (state tax credit) New $40M yearly statewide cap applies to most systems started after May 21, 2026. | 35% of cost, max $5,000 per system | Changing | Yes |
| Smart Renewable Energy Export | Daytime 13.5 (Oahu), 10.6 (Hawaii Island), 6.6 (Maui) cents/kWh | Open | Yes |
| BYOD Plus For leased batteries the upfront payment goes to the battery owner. | $400/kW committed upfront; +$400/kW for households below 140% of area median income | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Hawaiian Electric (Oahu). Smart Renewable Energy Export, daytime (9am-5pm) rate. Overnight 18.9 and evening 32.9 cents (exporting then needs a battery). Locked 7 years. Source
- Maui Electric. Smart Export daytime rate (Maui). Overnight 13.1, evening 18.2 cents. Source
- Hawaii Electric Light. Smart Export daytime rate (Hawaii Island). Overnight 14.8, evening 23.1 cents. Source
- KIUC (Kauai). Schedule Q Modified pays a monthly avoided-cost price; current value not verified, not counted. Source (partly verified)
What changed recently
- Act 24 yearly credit cap (signed May 21, 2026) and Executive Order 26-02 exemption.
Not yet verified: KIUC export price; Island import tariffs; Credit rules for tax years after 2026; Standalone battery credit eligibility. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Hawaii solar calculator
Illinois
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Shines (REC payments) One REC = 1 MWh; 15 years of RECs; paid 50% at energization and the rest over 6 years, to your Approved Vendor. How much reaches you depends on your contract. | Up to 10 kW AC: $80.77/REC ComEd, $70.37/REC Ameren; +$20/REC if you own the system and claim no federal credit | Open | Yes |
| ComEd / Ameren DG rebate ComEd storage rebate recipients must use hourly pricing. Caps and remaining funds not verified. | $300/kW DC (storage: $300/kWh) | Open | Yes |
| Illinois Solar for All | No-upfront-cost solar for households at or below 80% of area median income | Open | No |
| Property tax alternate valuation | Solar assessed no higher than a conventional system | Open | No |
| Supply-only net metering | Exports offset supply (about 10 cents), not delivery | Open | Yes |
How utilities pay for your solar
- ComEd. Since Jan 1, 2025, net metering credits offset supply, not delivery. Price to Compare Oct 2026 - May 2027: 10.103 cents/kWh (supply + transmission). Source
- Ameren Illinois. Supply-only net metering for new customers since Jan 1, 2025. Price to Compare Oct 2026 - May 2027: 10.441 cents (first 800 kWh/month). Source
What changed recently
- 2026-27 Illinois Shines REC prices, new $20 owner adder and 50%/6-year payment split.
- Ameren solar customers may use all five rate plans from June 1, 2026.
- New Price to Compare from Oct 1, 2026.
Not yet verified: MidAmerican, municipal and co-op rules; Shines capacity remaining; Vendor fees / pass-through. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Illinois solar calculator
Massachusetts
State tax credit: Massachusetts residential energy credit: 15% of net cost, up to $1,000, principal residence. Source
SMART 3.0: SMART 3.0 small-system incentive: 3 cents/kWh (6 cents for qualifying low-income), 20-year term. Source
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| State tax credit | 15%, max $1,000 | Open | Yes |
| SMART 3.0 A draft 2027 rate released Oct 1, 2026 is only a proposal. | 3 cents/kWh for 20 years (6 cents low-income), 25 kW AC or less | Open | Yes |
| ConnectedSolutions | $275 per average kW of summer battery dispatch | Open | No |
| Sales tax exemption | Solar equipment for a principal residence | Open | No |
| Property tax exemption | 20 years for qualifying solar | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Eversource. Net metering credits include basic service, distribution, transmission and transition charges, not every bill line. Source (partly verified)
- National Grid. Net metering provision MDPU 1625 (effective Mar 1, 2026): credits use most but not all charges. Source
What changed recently
- SMART 3.0 rates and tariffs (May-July 2026) and regulations (Sep 25, 2026).
- National Grid net metering tariff (Mar 2026) and delivery rates (Jul 2026).
Not yet verified: Eversource tariff detail; Municipal utility rules; Credit for lease/PPA payments. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Massachusetts solar calculator
Nevada
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV Energy net metering (Tier 4) | Monthly excess at 75% of retail (8.347 cents in the south) | Open | Yes |
| Property tax exemption | Qualifying renewable systems (NRS 701A.200) | Open | No |
| Southern Nevada daily demand charge Announced by NV Energy; the final January 2027 tariff sheet was not verified. Not modelled here because it depends on your hourly use. | From Jan 1, 2027: $0.14 x the sum of each day's highest 15-minute grid demand (kW) | Changing | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- NV Energy (Southern Nevada). NMR-405 Tier 4: monthly netting; net monthly excess credited at 75% of retail volumetric charges = 8.347 cents/kWh from Oct 1, 2026. Residential daily demand charges are scheduled from January 2027 (not included). Source
- NV Energy (Northern Nevada). NMR-405 Tier 4: excess credited at 75% of retail volumetric charges (northern cents value not verified; estimated as 75% of the state average). Source (partly verified)
What changed recently
- New Oct 1, 2026 rates: basic charge $18/month, energy 11.514 cents (Southern Nevada RS).
- Residential daily demand charge postponed to January 2027.
Not yet verified: Current storage rebates; Northern Nevada cents values; Final January 2027 daily demand tariff sheet. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Nevada solar calculator
New Jersey
SuSI ADI (SREC-II): Administratively Determined Incentive: $77 per SREC-II (1 MWh) for residential registrations from July 27, 2026 (was $85), 15 years. First come, first served until the Energy Year 2027 allocation (300 MW DC residential) fills or June 1, 2027; remaining capacity not verified. Source
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| SuSI ADI (SREC-IIs) Down from $85 for registrations from July 27, 2026. | $77/MWh for 15 years | Open | Yes |
| Sales tax exemption | Solar equipment, incl. storage of solar energy | Open | No |
| Property tax exemption | Certified added value of renewable systems | Open | No |
| Garden State Energy Storage Program (Phase 2) Not an active rebate. | Behind-the-meter storage straw proposal (Aug 19, 2026) | Proposed only | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- PSE&G. Retail net metering with credit banking; yearly excess paid at avoided wholesale value (not counted). Source
- JCP&L. Retail net metering; yearly excess at avoided wholesale value. Source
- Atlantic City Electric. Monthly net metering; yearly excess at wholesale (LMP) value. Source
What changed recently
- Residential ADI value cut from $85 to $77 per MWh (July 27, 2026).
Not yet verified: Remaining ADI capacity; Yearly cash-out values; RECO / municipal rules. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the New Jersey solar calculator
New York
State tax credit: NY solar energy system equipment credit: 25% of qualified cost, up to $5,000, principal residence, nonrefundable with 5-year carryforward. Leases and PPAs (10+ years) use a different formula. Source
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY solar equipment tax credit | 25%, max $5,000 | Open | Yes |
| NY-Sun incentive Check NYSERDA's block charts for a reopening; income-qualified options may differ. | No open standard residential block (Oct 3, 2026). Last blocks: Upstate $0.15/W closed Dec 17, 2025; Con Edison $0.15/W closed May 29, 2025; Affordable Solar $0.80/W blocks also closed | Closed | No |
| NYSERDA residential storage incentive | By region and block | Open | No |
| Property tax exemption (RPTL 487) Some towns and school districts opt out. | 15 years for added value of solar and storage | Open | No |
| NYC solar property tax abatement New York City only. | 30% of cost over 4 years (max $62,500/yr) | Open | No |
| Sales tax exemption | State 4% and MCTD; local varies | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Con Edison. Phase One net metering at retail, minus the Customer Benefit Contribution: $1.41 per kW DC per month (from Mar 1, 2026). Source
- NYSEG. Phase One net metering at retail, minus the Customer Benefit Contribution: $1.1917 per kW DC per month (from Jan 1, 2026). Customer charge $19/month. Source
- RG&E. Phase One net metering at retail, minus the Customer Benefit Contribution: $1.3056 per kW DC per month (from Jan 1, 2026). Source
- National Grid (Upstate). Phase One net metering at retail, minus the Customer Benefit Contribution: $0.97 per kW DC per month (from Jan 1, 2026). Basic service charge $19/month. Source
- Central Hudson. Phase One net metering minus a Customer Benefit Contribution of about $1.67 per kW DC per month (NYSERDA 2026 summary; utility statement not checked). Source (partly verified)
- Orange & Rockland. Phase One net metering minus the Customer Benefit Contribution: $1.12 per kW DC per month (from Mar 1, 2026). Source
- PSEG Long Island. Monthly retail netting; excess credits carry forward with no yearly cash-out, and leftover credits are removed at the 20th anniversary (LIPA tariff, Oct 2026). Time-of-use customers net peak and off-peak separately. Source
What changed recently
- Con Edison Customer Benefit Contribution $1.41/kW-month from Mar 1, 2026; NYSEG $1.19, RG&E $1.31, National Grid $0.97, O&R $1.12 (2026).
- NY-Sun residential blocks closed (no open standard block as of Oct 2026).
- New local PPA sales-tax table from June 1, 2026.
Not yet verified: Con Edison October 2026 customer charge; Central Hudson CBC (utility statement); NYSERDA storage incentive amounts. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the New York solar calculator
North Carolina
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke PowerPair (solar + battery) Requires a battery. 2026 availability not verified. | Up to $9,000: solar $0.36/W AC (max $3,600) + battery $400/kWh (max $5,400) | Limited | No |
| Duke Net Metering Bridge | Old net metering rider ends Dec 31, 2026; transition in January 2027 | Changing | Yes |
| Property tax | Owner-occupied PV can be nontaxable; otherwise 80% excluded | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Duke Energy Carolinas. Residential Solar Choice / Net Metering Bridge: time-of-use rates, minimum bill and non-bypassable charges; monthly net excess at avoided cost. Our retail-netting estimate is an approximation and likely optimistic. Source (partly verified)
- Duke Energy Progress. Same Residential Solar Choice / Net Metering Bridge rules (approximation). Source (partly verified)
- Dominion Energy NC. Separate net metering terms; components not verified (approximation). Source (partly verified)
What changed recently
- Duke's old net metering rider ends Dec 31, 2026.
- Published 1,000 kWh bills (Sep 2026, before tax): Duke Carolinas $159.02, Duke Progress $174.85-$176.85, Dominion $134.48-$150.89.
Not yet verified: Duke avoided-cost cents; PowerPair remaining funds; Co-op and municipal rules. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the North Carolina solar calculator
Pennsylvania
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Alternative Energy Credits (SRECs) Current residential price not verified. | Market price, not fixed | Open | No |
| Net metering (PECO, PPL) | Retail monthly credit; yearly surplus at Price to Compare | Open | Yes |
How utilities pay for your solar
- PECO. Monthly retail net metering; yearly surplus paid at the Price to Compare: 11.024 cents/kWh (Jun 1 - Nov 30, 2026). Source
- PPL Electric. Retail monthly credits; yearly excess (true-up May 31) cashed out at the Price to Compare. Current published residential cash-out rate 13.079 cents/kWh (Jul 1 - Nov 30, 2026); the May 2027 rate may differ. Source
What changed recently
- PECO Price to Compare 11.024 cents (Jun-Nov 2026); next PPL period starts Dec 1, 2026.
Not yet verified: FirstEnergy PA (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn) and Duquesne rules; State tax exemptions; SREC prices; PPL May 2027 true-up rate. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Pennsylvania solar calculator
Texas
| Program | Value | Status | In our calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property tax exemption | Added value of solar (Form 50-123) | Open | No |
| Austin Energy solar rebate | $4,000 for systems over 3 kW | Open | Yes |
| Austin Energy Value of Solar | 12.89 cents/kWh on all production | Open | Yes |
| Oncor 2026 solar program $1.774M residential budget; submittals due Nov 30, 2026 or until funds run out. | Paid to the installer based on approved savings; capped at 50% of cost | Ending soon | No |
| Retail provider buyback (ERCOT) | Set by your electricity plan | Open | No |
How utilities pay for your solar
- Austin Energy. Value of Solar: 12.89 cents/kWh on ALL solar you generate (Oct 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2027); you keep buying all your use at normal rates. Source
- Oncor area (retail provider). In competitive Texas markets, your retail electricity provider sets the buyback rate. It varies by plan, so exports are not counted here. Example: Reliant Solar Payback Plus 12 pays 4.7306 cents per exported kWh (EFL dated Aug 1, 2026). Source
- CPS Energy (San Antonio). Monthly netting; monthly net excess credited at 1.65 cents/kWh (Oct-May) and 2.02 cents (Jun-Sep), modelled as a 1.77 cent average. From CPS Energy's Solar Billing Facts sheet (Jan 2025); current rate not re-confirmed. Source (partly verified)
- El Paso Electric. Single-meter netting for systems sized no larger than yearly use; net excess bought at avoided cost (capped at 10% of prior-year use). Current cents not verified, not counted. Source (partly verified)
- CenterPoint area (retail provider). Your retail provider sets the buyback rate, so exports are not counted. Some plans pay the ERCOT real-time price for each exported kWh (e.g. Reliant Solar Payback Match 36, EFL Sep 30, 2026). Source
What changed recently
- Austin Energy: leasing allowed (Apr 2026; PPAs are not), rebate raised to $4,000 (Jul 2026), new Value of Solar rate (Oct 2026).
- Oncor 2026 program allows solar without storage.
Not yet verified: CPS Energy current (2026) rate; El Paso Electric avoided-cost cents; Most retail provider buyback rates; Oncor payout amounts and remaining budget. Not verified does not mean it does not exist; ask your utility or installer.
Open the Texas solar calculator
Quick answers
Is there still a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
Not for homeowners who buy. The 30% residential credit (Section 25D) does not apply to solar or batteries installed after December 31, 2025, and the date that counts is when installation is completed. Unused credit from an earlier qualifying installation can still be carried forward.
Can a solar lease or PPA company still get a federal credit?
Yes, if it meets the rules. The company that owns the system can claim the Section 48E business credit. The 2025 law's lease restriction covers only solar water heating and small wind, not solar panels. New solar must be in service by December 31, 2027 unless construction began by July 4, 2026, and the owner must meet foreign-entity sourcing rules. The credit belongs to the company; only your contract decides whether you see any of it.
Which states still have a state solar tax credit?
Among the states we cover: Arizona (25%, max $1,000), Hawaii (35%, max $5,000 per system, now under a $40 million yearly statewide cap), Massachusetts (15%, max $1,000) and New York (25%, max $5,000). Colorado has a 10% battery equipment credit for purchases through 2026.
Why does my state's export rate matter so much?
With retail net metering, every kWh you send to the grid is worth about what you pay for power. Many utilities now pay far less for exports (for example APS 5.554¢, SRP 1.87¢, Georgia Power 7.2188¢ per kWh), so the share of solar you use yourself drives your savings.
Are these numbers a quote?
No. They are verified program rules and state averages. Your utility plan, roof, usage and installer price decide your real numbers.
- IRS: OBBB FAQ on Section 25D
- IRS: Form 3468 instructions (Section 48E)
- Public Law 119-21
- IRS Notice 2025-42 (beginning of construction)
- IRS Notice 2026-15 (prohibited foreign entities)
- Proclamation 11052 (Section 232 polysilicon)
- EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A and EIA-861M
- EnergySage: solar panel cost by state
- NREL PVWatts
- EnergySage Marketplace Report, Fall 2026