Can I Buy a House That’s Already Set Up for Solar + Battery Storage and Get Tax Credits?

Greg Powell
Sep 17
2 min read

With energy costs rising and more buyers seeking sustainable living, homes with solar panels and battery storage are becoming highly desirable — especially in sunny. Central Oregon. But if you buy a home that already has solar installed, can you still claim those valuable tax credits?

How Federal Solar Tax Credits Work

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing solar panels and eligible battery storage from their federal taxes.

In 2025, the credit remains at 30% for systems installed between 2022–2032.
Battery storage systems (≥3 kWh capacity) also qualify, even if installed separately from solar.

The Catch for Homebuyers

Unfortunately, in most cases, tax credits only apply to the original purchaser who installed the system — not the next homeowner.

Example: If the seller installed a $20,000 solar system in 2023 and already claimed the credit, you can’t claim it again just by buying the house.

Exceptions & Opportunities

1. New Construction Homes

If you buy a brand-new home with solar installed and you are the first owner, you may still qualify — check with your builder and CPA.

2. Unclaimed Credits

If the seller never claimed the credit (or wasn’t eligible), you may be able to claim it — but you’ll need documentation of installation costs and dates.

3. Local & Utility Incentives

Even if the federal credit isn’t available, you may still qualify for:

Oregon state incentives (sometimes cash rebates or property tax exemptions)
Utility company rebates for solar + battery systems

Why Buying Solar-Equipped Homes Still Makes Sense

Even without the tax credit, homes with solar panels offer:

Lower Energy Bills: Save on electricity from day one.
Resilience: Battery storage provides backup power during outages — a big plus in wildfire-prone areas.
Higher Resale Value: Studies show solar homes sell faster and for more money.

Central Oregon Market Insight

In Bend, Redmond, and Sisters, solar-equipped homes are in demand among eco-conscious buyers and remote workers who want energy independence. These homes can stand out in a competitive market, even if the tax credit has already been used.

While you usually can’t claim federal solar tax credits when buying a resale home with solar already installed, you still get the financial benefit of reduced utility bills and added home value. For new builds or unclaimed systems, you may be eligible — so check with your CPA and your agent before closing.