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Wiring Diagrams
Table: Solar Panel Wattage Range vs. Appropriate Controllers
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Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended!
Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended!
Good News for Solar Enthusiasts: Now Extended Through 2034!
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has extended the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC), giving homeowners and boat owners even more incentive to go solar. This tax credit applies to your primary or secondary residence—including certain boats with living accommodations (head, galley, and bunk) registered in the U.S.
What You Need to Know
Tax Credit Rate:
- 2022–2032: 30% of total system costs
- 2033: 26% of total system costs
- 2034: 22% of total system costs
- After Jan. 1, 2035: 0%
Eligibility:
You can claim this credit if you’ve made energy-saving improvements to your home (or qualifying boat) in the U.S. during the tax year. Qualified residences include:
- Houses
- Mobile homes
- Condominiums
- Cooperative apartments
- Houseboats (with proper accommodations)
What’s Covered:
The credit applies to the cost of:
- Solar panels
- Batteries
- Inverters
- Charge controllers
- Wiring and labor costs
Retroactive Eligibility:
Systems placed in service after January 1, 2006, can qualify if the credit hasn’t already been claimed.
Unused Credits:
If your tax liability is lower than the credit, you can roll over unused amounts to future tax years.
How to Claim the Credit
- Complete IRS Form 5695:
Download the form here. Make sure to use the latest version updated in January/February of the applicable tax year.
Instructions for Form 5695. - File with IRS Form 1040:
The total from Form 5695 is entered as a line item on Form 1040. Attach both forms when filing your return.
Download IRS Form 1040.
Additional State Incentives
Many states offer additional tax incentives or rebates for solar energy systems. Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for a detailed breakdown of state-specific programs.
State Highlights
- Arizona: 25% tax credit, up to $1,000.
- Hawaii: 35% tax credit, up to $5,000.
- New York: 25% tax credit, up to $5,000.
- Oregon: Up to $6,000 in credits over four years.
- South Carolina: 25% tax credit for installation costs.
Note: State programs are subject to change. Always verify details with your state’s tax department.
Don’t Wait—Take Advantage of Solar Savings!
With the credit extended through 2034 and now covering batteries, it’s the perfect time to upgrade or install a solar system. Be sure to consult your tax advisor to maximize your savings and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
* Price Includes current tariff Increase
Victron Energy Lithium Battery Smart batteries are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and are available in 12.8 V or 25.6 V in various capacities. They can be connected in series, parallel and series/parallel so that a battery bank can be built for system voltages of 12 V, 24 V or 48 V. The maximum number of batteries in one system is 20, which results in a maximum energy storage of 84 kWh in a 12 V system and up to 102 kWh in a 24 V and 48 V system.
A single LFP cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2 V. A 12.8 V battery consists of 4 cells connected in series and a 25.6 V battery consists of 8 cells connected in series.
Why lithium-iron-phosphate?
Rugged
A lead-acid battery will fail prematurely due to sulfation:
• If it operates in deficit mode during long periods of time (i.e. if the battery is rarely, or never at all, fully charged).
• If it is left partially charged or worse, fully discharged (yacht or mobile home during wintertime).
A LFP battery:
• Does not need to be fully charged. Service life even slightly improves in case of partial charge instead of a full charge. This is a major advantage of LFP compared to lead-acid.
• Other advantages are the wide operating temperature range, excellent cycling performance, low internal resistance and high efficiency (see below).
LFP is therefore the chemistry of choice for demanding applications.
Efficient
• In several applications (especially off-grid solar and/or wind), energy efficiency can be of crucial importance.
• The round-trip energy efficiency (discharge from 100 % to 0 % and back to 100 % charged) of the average lead-acid battery is 80 %.
• The round-trip energy efficiency of a LFP battery is 92 %.
• The charge process of lead-acid batteries becomes particularly inefficient when the 80 % state of charge has been reached, resulting in efficiencies of 50 % or even less in solar systems where several days of reserve energy is required (battery operating in 70 % to 100 % charged state).
• In contrast, a LFP battery will still achieve 90 % efficiency under shallow discharge conditions.
Size and weight
• Saves up to 70 % in space
• Saves up to 70 % in weight
Expensive?
• LFP batteries are expensive when compared to lead-acid. But in demanding applications, the high initial cost will be more than compensated by longer service life, superior reliability and excellent efficiency.
Bluetooth
• With Bluetooth cell voltages, temperature and alarm status can be monitored.
• Instant readout: The VictronConnect App can display the most important data on the Device list page without the need to connect to the product.
• Very useful to localize a (potential) problem, such as cell imbalance.
Six tailored BMS solutions
• There are 6 different BMS models tailored for various applications available for use with the Lithium Battery Smart. The system design and BMS selection guide in the battery manual provides an overview and explains the differences between them and their typical use.
Solar System Design and Installation
We have put together a collection of helpful information for our customers on everything to help you design you perfect system and installation instructions.
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LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Marine Batteries
Shipping
Products ship day after payment domestically. Free shipping on orders over $250 applies to Lower 48 US states only***. International takes longer. We do not add tariff charges. Call for pricing.
Custom Designs
Our engineers will work with you to design a solar system specific to your needs including Lithium Batteries if you like. (Batteries are 10% off w/ solar system purchase).