Tax credits for solar panels are available, but the catch is you can't own them

Rooftop solar installers across the United States are increasingly steering customers toward lease agreements rather than purchases as of February 25, 2026, following the expiration of federal tax credits for purchased solar panel systems while credits remain available for leased installations. This shift in business strategy means consumers who want to take advantage of federal incentives must forfeit ownership of their solar panels, creating a complex decision point for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking to reduce energy costs. The tax credit policy discrepancy has created an unusual market dynamic where the financial benefits of going solar are now tied to not owning the equipment, prompting many installation companies to emphasize lease options in their sales pitches. Industry analysts suggest this policy may inadvertently slow the adoption of residential solar power, as some homeowners are reluctant to enter long-term lease agreements or are concerned about the implications of not owning their renewable energy systems.