Will’s Solar Cart - eligible for tax credit?

[TheShakoMaster]

Would a “solar-cart” ala Will’s design qualify for the solar tax credit? Thinking of getting a couple panels, an Eco-worthy rack battery, and an EG4 3000 to learn more about solar and if it was eligible for the tax credit it would make it just that much easier to pull the trigger. Thanks!

 

[pdarlingks]

Would a “solar-cart” ala Will’s design qualify for the solar tax credit? Thinking of getting a couple panels, an Eco-worthy rack battery, and an EG4 3000 to learn more about solar and if it was eligible for the tax credit it would make it just that much easier to pull the trigger. Thanks!

Other's may have more experience wiuth this, but since it comes down to your responsibility, you should check with a tax professional.

Here's a description of the code: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit#works

Seems like it MIGHT qualify under 2 sections if you meet all conditions: panels/property and battery storage technology. Once again, chek all conditions.. example: battery storage must exceed 3 Kilowatts.

 

[TheShakoMaster]

Thanks, I read that prior to posting and while it may be that the intent is for it to be tied to an electrical panel, the verbiage I’ve been able to find doesn’t specify anything to that affect, so I’m inclined to agree that it would qualify.

 

[timselectric]

Since it is mobile, it's not a permanent fixture to the property.
Therefore, it wouldn't qualify in my opinion.
You can claim anything you want, but whether or not it will pass an audit, is another story.

 

[pdarlingks]

Thanks, I read that prior to posting and while it may be that the intent is for it to be tied to an electrical panel, the verbiage I’ve been able to find doesn’t specify anything to that affect, so I’m inclined to agree that it would qualify.

Agree. I believe it is good for off grid. I would be comfortable claiming it. You can look at the actual IRS code if you haven't. But of course, you have to be.

 

[pdarlingks]

This is informative also: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/f...ax Credit for Residential Solar PV - 2021.pdf

Specifies it can be off grid as long as it is being used to power your home or items within it.

Going back to my original post: check with tax professional if you're unsure.

 

[SomethingAppropriate]

Since it is mobile, it's not a permanent fixture to the property.
Therefore, it wouldn't qualify in my opinion.

Oh no! Then all the "its just temporary" setback and zoning loopholes wont work!!

 

[SouthernSolar]

Claim it. Chances of you getting audited is slim. If you do it will likely be seen as a misinterpretation.of the IRS code and not fraud so all you have pay is the tax credit and interest.

 

[DIYrich]

"Improvements to your home". Cart is not an improvement.

 

[SouthernSolar]

Chances of them coming to your home is 1 in 10 million. Most likely if audited they will only want receipts. You don't have tell them it on a cart

 

[BarracudaBob]

I'll just show a picture and my power bill before and after. Also 10,000 receipts

 

[BarracudaBob]

"Improvements to your home". Cart is not an improvement.

Battery Rack on wheels doesn't count?

 

[DIYrich]

Battery Rack on wheels doesn't count?

When you sell your house, is it assumed the Battery Rack on Wheels comes with the house?

 

[BarracudaBob]

When you sell your house, is it assumed the Battery Rack on Wheels comes with the house?

Nope, it goes with me!

 

[Tripplett]

I agree since its temp probably wouldn’t qualify. But if audited it might be ok if you could show months of solar usage coming into your home system.

 

[Brucey]

Battery Rack on wheels doesn't count?

The portable delta 2 pros qualify for the tax credit as they are over 3kWh in size, personally if I'm connecting panels on my primary residence to a delta type solar generator or mobile cart that's imo a legit install powering my house loads.

Now the ny state tax credit, you have to connect to net metering for that to be valid...total scum move.

 

[BarracudaBob]

The portable delta 2 pros qualify for the tax credit as they are over 3kWh in size, personally if I'm connecting panels on my primary residence to a delta type solar generator or mobile cart that's imo a legit install powering my house loads.

Now the ny state tax credit, you have to connect to net metering for that to be valid...total scum move.

No Net Metering, totally in "Island Mode" aka Back Up with Benefits
Good to know that they qualify. Everything I have is on wheels and plugs into 30A twist lock with a critical load panel. Never tried to go 100% but pretty darn close.

 

[Brucey]

No Net Metering, totally in "Island Mode" aka Back Up with Benefits
Good to know that they qualify. Everything I have is on wheels and plugs into 30A twist lock with a critical load panel. Never tried to go 100% but pretty darn close.

Here's my logic:

There's nothing in the tax credit instructions that specifies it has to be a stationary ess versus a portable or mobile ess unit, simply that it powers loads in the house.

Instructions for Form 5695 (2024) | Internal Revenue Service

www.irs.gov

Basically our ess units are portable, or mobile per nfa definition. But as long as you are powering house loads and battery capacity is at least 3kWh you can get credit for the solar related gear plus the batteries since 2023.

 

[DIYrich]

The portable delta 2 pros qualify for the tax credit as they are over 3kWh in size,

So my EV has an 80kWh battery. According to your logic, if it has V2H, then it qualifies for the 30% battery credit.

 

[Q-Dog]

It may come down to how the auditor interprets the word "installed" and whether or not they consider something that can be rolled away as installed. Talk to a tax professional.

 

[Brucey]

So my EV has an 80kWh battery. According to your logic, if it has V2H, then it qualifies for the 30% battery credit.

Has to be "installed on or in connection with a dwelling unit...."

 

[DIYrich]

Has to be "installed on or in connection with a dwelling unit...."

View attachment 271274

What part of the delta 2 pro is "installed"?

 

[Brucey]

What part of the delta 2 pro is "installed"?

Not mine but an example:


Or something like a delta pro ultra:

 

[DIYrich]

Not mine but an example:
View attachment 271384

Or something like a delta pro ultra:

View attachment 271387

So how is that different from my EV powering the house?

 

[Brucey]

So how is that different from my EV powering the house?

If you want to argue that a delta pro ultra on castors is the same as your ev I guess you could try and claim your EV as an installed battery, I'm guessing that will draw an instant audit. How would you figure out the battery value of the ev? Was it eligible for the $7500 EV credit?