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Do Tax Credits Apply To Solar Carports?

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If we told you that you could power your vehicle with electricity generated by the sun, would you be excited? As Central Florida homeowners are buying electric vehicles more and more, solar carports are also gaining traction as a way to charge their EVs at home.

The best part? Solar carports may also qualify for federal or state tax credits! Keep reading to learn more from our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

What Is a Solar Carport?

A solar carport is a covered parking structure that has solar panels installed on its roof. Unlike rooftop solar systems, carports don’t require an existing roof, which makes them a great solution for homeowners who are tight on space or don’t want to install solar on their home.

Plus, they offer dual benefits: they generate clean electricity while also protecting vehicles from the sun and rain. In Central Florida, there is also the added benefit of shade. So your EV will stay cooler in our intense summer heat. Nice!

Now, let’s talk tax credits.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Good news! Solar carports generally qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This credit currently allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes.

For residential installations, the credit is set at 30% through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act. This credit applies to the entire cost of the solar system, including panels, inverters, mounting hardware, permitting fees, and labor.

As long as your solar carport meets the current IRS requirements—meaning it produces electricity for a home located in the United States and is installed during the eligible period—you can take advantage of the credit.

Florida Solar Incentives

In addition to the federal ITC, Florida offers its own perks for solar installations, which can apply to solar carports:

  • Property Tax Exemption: Florida law exempts the added value of installing a renewable energy system from property taxes, meaning installing a solar carport won’t increase your home’s taxable property value.
  • Sales Tax Exemption: Solar equipment purchases in Florida are exempt from our state’s sales tax, saving you an immediate 6% at the time of purchase.
  • Net Metering: If your solar carport generates more electricity than you use, net metering programs allow you to send excess power back to the grid for credit on your utility bill.

Read More > Can I Charge My Car Battery Directly from My Solar Panels?

Business Tax Benefits for Commercial Solar Carports

If you’re a business owner installing a solar carport, you may qualify for additional incentives such as accelerated depreciation under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).

Key Requirements to Qualify

To make sure your solar carport qualifies for tax credits:

  • A licensed professional must complete the installation.
  • The carport must use new (not used) solar equipment.
  • The system must be placed in service during the tax year in which you claim the credit.
  • You must own (not lease) the system to claim the ITC.

Make the Switch with Solar Bear Orlando

If you’ve been thinking about going solar, a solar carport could be the perfect solution, especially if you have an electric vehicle too! Ready to get started? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando can walk you through the details, handle permitting, and help you get the maximum incentives available.

Call us today at (727) 353-3886 to schedule a free consultation and find out how much you could save with a solar carport in 2025.