Through 2016, taxpayers can get a tax credit on their federal tax return equal to 30% of the costs for installing certain power-generating systems on their homes. The credit is non-refundable, which means it can only be used to offset a taxpayer’s current tax liability, but any excess can be carried forward to offset tax through 2016.

Systems that qualify for the credit include the following:

• Solar water heating system – Qualifies if used in a dwelling unit used by the taxpayer as a main or second residence where at least half of the energy used by the property for such purposes is derived from the sun. Heating water for swimming pools or hot tubs does not qualify for the credit. The property must be certified for performance by the Solar Read More