The system is fully operational, and includes a Tesla powerwall backup. PTO has been delayed due to our utility company being backlogged at end of the year, and now wanting to inspect the net meter collar before we export to the grid. As mentioned above, we are operating for our own personal consumption without export to the grid.
The IRS considers a solar system "placed in service" when it is ready and available for its intended use.
Your solar system qualifies as "in service" in 2024 and is eligible for the residential clean energy credit because the system:
- was fully installed in 2024
- was fully operational and generating power for your home use
- has passed local inspections and received necessary permits
- has been paid for in full
Be sure to keep all documentation showing:
- installation completion in 2024
- full payment
- permits
- system specs
Yes, if they are producing electricity and you were using that electricity on or before December 31, 2024, you can claim the credit on your 2024 tax return.
The IRS considers a solar system "placed in service" when it is ready and available for its intended use.
Your solar system qualifies as "in service" in 2024 and is eligible for the residential clean energy credit because the system:
- was fully installed in 2024
- was fully operational and generating power for your home use
- has passed local inspections and received necessary permits
- has been paid for in full
Be sure to keep all documentation showing:
- installation completion in 2024
- full payment
- permits
- system specs
Thank you for your response! So I am 100% clear, we do not have "permission to operate/PTO" from the utility company yet, though it is expected next week.
i've read conflicting information about the requirement for PTO and a connection to the grid in order to claim the credit, so I just want to double check. Thanks again!
If you do not have permission to operate, then it is not ready and available for use and it is not placed in service. Once you CAN actually use it, then you can claim it in that year as that is the year it is complete and ready for use. The key word is placed in service, if it is not able to be used due to inspections, then it is still NOT placed in service so you would not be able to claim the credit until 2025 tax filing.
The system IS permitted by the local county authorities as of 12/31/24. The utility company Permission to operate is pending inspection of the net meter collar. We ARE running the system for self consumption only with No Export to Grid, which is widely accepted in our area.
Based on all of this info, and the fact that we are using the system for our own use, can we claim the credit for 2024 tax year?
Yes, if they are producing electricity and you were using that electricity on or before December 31, 2024, you can claim the credit on your 2024 tax return.