Fact check: Government offers tax credits, not free solar panels

Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY
·3 min read

The claim: Government program installs free solar panels

A March 22 Facebook video features a man speaking about solar energy.

"Do you know U.S. solar companies' national secret?" the man asks. "Turns out they have to give solar panels away for completely no net cost if you ask."

The man goes on to say the deal is part of a new federal solar stimulus program.

The post also features a link to a website advertising discounted solar panel installation.

The video garnered more than 200 likes in less than two weeks. Similar posts have been shared on Facebook.

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Our rating: False

This program doesn't exist, according to an expert at the Department of Energy. However, the government offers a federal tax credit that covers a percentage of the cost for solar panels..

No such government program exists

Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office, told USA TODAY in an email that the government isn't providing free solar panels.

A March 10 blog post written by Jones-Albertus advises buyers on how to avoid online scams.

"Some states subsidize solar energy for income-qualified households, but check to see that the program is listed on a .gov website or call the state office to make sure the offer is real and to learn how to participate," the post says.

While the government isn't offering free solar panels, it offers a tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes for those who use solar power on residential property. The credit was increased and extended through 2034 by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Solar-powered systems installed in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit, while those installed between 2022 and 2032 are eligible for a 30% tax credit.

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Similar posts claim the Inflation Reduction Act allows Americans in various states to receive $2,500, a Tesla power bank and free solar panel installation. The act contains no such program.

Companies that advertise "free" solar panels typically offer solar panel leasing agreements, in which the buyer pays monthly leasing and electricity consumption fees instead of an upfront cost, according to Forbes.

USA TODAY previously debunked the claim that the government is giving people $8,400 to test solar panels.

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment.

PolitiFact has debunked this claim as well.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: No, the government isn't giving away free solar panels