We often hear about tax credits for installing solar panels on our homes, but did you know you might qualify for the same benefit on your boat? Yes, you can!
The U.S. Federal Government offers a solar energy tax credit that applies to "second homes"—and if your boat has both a head and a galley and is docked in the United States, it may qualify as a second home. This means you could be eligible for a 30% tax credit on qualified expenses for purchasing and installing solar panels on your boat.
This credit, extended until December 31, 2019, covers solar systems placed in service after 2008 and can even be applied retroactively if the system was installed after January 1, 2006.
For more information, check out the Department of Energy’s description of the energy tax credit here, or refer to the IRS form here. You may also want to look into additional solar tax credits offered by your state government.