We are renting solar panels for our home. Can we deduct these monthly rental costs?

[DoninGA]

The rent for the solar panels is not deductible on a federal tax return when installed on your personal residence, not being used as a rental or in a business.

[bushwacker4x4]

What if I have a home office. Can I deduct a % for my home office?

[Carl]

If you do not own the panels, *AND* you can prove that a percentage of the power produced is used in the home office, then you can can deduct a percentage of the cost that is equal to the percentage of floor space that qualifies as your home office.

Note that you can only claim a home office if you are self-employed. W-2 job related expenses are not deductible. Additionally, you can not claim a home office for SCH E income either.