Side-by-side comparison of these two energy incentive programs. See which one offers better savings for your situation.
| Feature | EV Charger Installation Credit (EVSE) | Residential Clean Energy Credit (Solar) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tax Credit | Tax Credit |
| Category | Electric Vehicles | Solar |
| Amount | 30% up to $1,000 | 30% |
| Max Amount | $1,000 (residential) | No cap |
| Level | Federal | Federal |
| Eligibility | Must be in a low-income or rural census tract. Residential cap $1,000, commercial cap $100,000. | Homeowners with federal tax liability. Must own the system (not lease). New or existing homes. |
| Applies To | Homeowners, businesses | Homeowners |
| Location | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| How to Claim | File IRS Form 8911. | File IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return. Credit reduces your federal income tax dollar-for-dollar. Excess credit carries forward. |
| Expiration | Available through 2032 | 30% through 2032, 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034 |
30% tax credit for installing EV charging equipment at home. Covers Level 2 chargers and installation costs. Property must be in eligible census tract.
Official source →30% federal tax credit for solar panel systems installed on primary or secondary residences. Covers solar PV panels, solar water heaters, battery storage (3+ kWh), and installation labor costs.
Official source →