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The federal residential tax credit is gone. Here is everything you need to know about buying solar in 2026 — costs, financing, state incentives, equipment, and installation. Written by licensed installers with state-specific data for 10 states.
Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. If you buy solar with cash or a loan, you get $0 in federal tax credits. But the commercial ITC (Section 48) is still available through July 2026 for third-party owned systems. This means solar leases, PPAs, and programs like NuWatt Propel still deliver ~30% savings through the financing company's tax credit.
Cash / Loan
$0 ITC
25D expired
Lease / PPA / Propel
30% ITC
Section 48 active
Deadline
Jul 4, 2026
Begin construction
In 2026, solar panels cost $2.35–$3.35/W depending on your state, with NO federal tax credit for homeowner purchases. State incentives and lease/PPA options are now the primary paths to savings.
With no federal credit, lease and PPA now offer faster Day 1 savings than cash in most states. Cash still wins on 25-year total value, but the gap has narrowed significantly.
A solar + battery system costs $30,000–$50,000 depending on storage capacity, with backup runtime of 8–24 hours for essential loads. Here is how to size it right and whether the economics work.
Solar costs vary 10–20% within a single state based on local permitting, utility rates, labor markets, and city-specific incentives. Here is a city-by-city breakdown for your state.
With no residential ITC, traditional solar loans cost more upfront. Propel hybrid financing passes the commercial 30% ITC back to homeowners — $0 down with ownership by year 5.
Solar leases start cheap but escalate 2-3% per year. By year 15, your lease payment can exceed your original electric bill. Here is the math and how to avoid the trap.
The federal residential tax credit is dead in 2026. State incentive programs — from NJ SuSI ($90/MWh for 15 years) to MA SMART (monthly bill credits) — are now the main way to reduce your solar cost.
Net metering credits you at the full retail rate for excess solar production. But many states are shifting to net billing at lower avoided-cost rates. Here is what your utility actually pays you.
The residential ITC is dead, but the commercial ITC (Section 48) is still alive through July 2026. Propel hybrid financing lets homeowners access that 30% discount without needing tax liability.
New tariffs and FEOC requirements are pushing solar panel prices up 10-15% in 2026. Waiting to go solar costs more every quarter. Here is the data on pricing trends and deadlines.
Community solar billing errors are widespread. Delayed credits, rate mismatches, and hidden fees mean many subscribers are paying more than they expected. Here are 5 common problems and how to fix them.
Most homes need 15–30 panels (6–12 kW) based on monthly electric bill and sun hours. A home with a $200/month bill in Massachusetts needs about 24 panels (10 kW).
Panel choice matters less than installer quality, but there are real performance differences. Premium panels (REC Alpha, SunPower) degrade slower and produce more in shade; value panels (Jinko, Trina) cost 15–20% less.
An EV adds 3,000–5,000 kWh/year to your electricity usage, requiring an additional 2–4 kW of solar. Combined with a TOU rate strategy, solar + EV can save $2,000–$4,000 annually on transportation + electricity.
Winter storms knock out power for days. A solar + battery system keeps your home running. Here is how to size battery backup for winter, compare top systems, and calculate costs.
If your roof has less than 10 years of life left, replace it before or during solar installation. Removing and reinstalling panels later costs $2,000–$5,000 and risks warranty issues.
The difference between a good and bad solar install is bigger than the difference between panels. Ask these 15 questions, watch for these red flags, and compare quotes using $/W with identical equipment.
Without the federal tax credit masking price differences, comparing solar quotes in 2026 requires sharper analysis. Use this 8-point framework to evaluate $/W, equipment, and total cost of ownership.
With the ITC gone for homeowners, predatory solar companies are pushing aggressive lease contracts with escalator clauses, hidden fees, and 25-year lock-ins. Know the 9 red flags before you sign.
EnergySage is useful for quick quote discovery, but it is not the same thing as working directly with the installer who will build your project. Here is when each path makes sense.
EnergySage is a legitimate marketplace, but it is not the full decision. Here is what homeowners should trust, what they should verify, and when to get a second opinion.
Marketplace quotes are useful for price discovery, but they are not a site-specific design. Before signing, verify $/W, dealer fees, production estimates, and utility assumptions.
You do not need to own a roof to benefit from solar. Community solar, portable panels, and condo HOA agreements let renters and condo owners save 5-15% on electricity with no installation.
Bundling solar with a roof replacement, heat pump install, or insulation upgrade saves thousands in labor and scheduling. Here is the optimal timing and sequencing for 2026.
See the 8 solar panels NuWatt installs with detailed specs, warranty comparisons, production calculators, and honest installer notes.
Use our free calculator for an instant estimate with state-specific pricing and incentives.