Texas grid demand is breaking records. Without a battery, your solar panels shut off when the power goes out. Add backup now, stay powered, and save big with the federal credit.
Why Backup Power Matters
When the Grid Goes Down, Solar Alone Won’t Save You.
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Power issues and conservation alerts during heat waves and storms.
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If you only have solar, your system shuts off when the grid fails.
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That means no AC, no fridge, no Wi-Fi, no medical device support.
The Solution: Home Battery Backup.
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Keep essentials powered through blackouts.
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Store your solar energy and use it when rates are highest.
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Reduce reliance on the grid, increase energy independence.
Tax Credit Deadline
Claim 30% Back Before Dec 31, 2025
The federal clean energy credit covers up to 30% of your battery install cost — but only if your system is installed and commissioned by Dec 31, 2025.
Spots are filling up fast as homeowners rush to qualify. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Want to upgrade your current solar?
Maximize Your Solar Investment.
If your energy needs have grown — bigger family, EV charging, pool pump, or just higher bills — your current solar system might not cover it all. The good news? You don’t have to start over.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Install eligible equipment.
New solar PV (and optional battery ≥3 kWh) installed at a U.S. home qualifies; labor for onsite prep/installation and the wiring/piping to connect the system count toward the credit. Second homes can qualify; rentals you don’t live in do not. - Figure your qualified costs.
Start with the total invoiced amount (equipment + eligible labor). Subtract any utility subsidies or qualifying point-of-sale rebates that reduce the purchase price. (Net-metering bill credits don’t reduce your basis.) - Calculate the credit.
Multiply qualified costs by 30% for property installed between 2022–2025 - Choose the right tax year.
Claim the credit for the year the system is installed/placed in service (not when ordered). - File your taxes.
Complete IRS Form 5695 and include it with your Form 1040. The credit reduces your federal income tax owed (it’s nonrefundable). - If the credit is bigger than your tax bill…
Carry forward any unused amount to future years until it’s used up. - Keep records.
Save contracts, paid invoices, and equipment/manufacturer certifications in case the IRS asks for documentation.
FAQs
To claim the 30% ITC on your federal taxes, you’ll need:
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Invoice/contract from your solar installer showing total cost (equipment, labor, permitting).
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Proof of payment (receipt, canceled check, financing documents).
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System certification (if provided, confirming it qualifies for federal credit).
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Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) filed with your federal tax return.
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You must own the system (leased systems don’t qualify).
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It must be installed on your primary or secondary residence in the U.S.
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Installation must be completed in the tax year you claim the credit.
- Gather invoices, proof of payment, and installation details.
- File IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return.
- Enter the credit on Form 1040 (reduces your tax liability).
- If your credit is larger than your tax bill, the remainder can be carried over to the next year.
Yes! Most systems can be retrofitted with a home battery.
Batteries also save you money by storing energy for peak hours.
