Policy Comparisons

State-by-state policy comparison tables highlight individual program elements to facilitate comparison among solar programs. Policy comparisons are available for two of the most popular and effective incentive options adopted at the state level—rebates and tax credits. Each table notes eligible recipients and system sizes, incentive amounts, and other basic information; mechanisms to ensure system performance; and for rebate programs, expenditure and installation data.

State Rebate Programs
State rebates have played a significant role in accelerating the deployment of solar installations in the United States by reducing the upfront cost of owning a system. These programs, available in about 20 states, vary widely in incentive levels, annual budgets, installer and equipment requirements, installation results, and other features. Click on the links below to compare PV rebate programs or solar water heating rebate programs.

State Tax Credits
Tax credits help offset the expense of purchasing and installing solar energy equipment by directly reducing the project owner's tax liability and can play an important role in promoting solar, especially in states where direct incentives such as rebates and grants are not available. Available in about 20 states, tax credits vary widely in eligibility criteria, incentive levels, annual budgets, installer and equipment requirements, and other features. Click on the links below to compare PV tax credits or solar water heating tax credits.

For information on federal tax credits for solar projects, visit DSIRE SOLAR'S Federal Incentives page.

Please note: The information on the DSIRE web site provides an overview of incentives and other policies, but it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions or other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided in each record to verify that a specific incentive or other policy is applicable to your specific project.