Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals and do not offer legal or tax advice. The information below is provided for general educational purposes only. Please consult your tax preparer or accountant to determine your eligibility for any tax credits.

Can You Claim the Federal Solar Tax Credit for Your RV?

Many RV owners ask whether solar installations on their rigs qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit. The short answer is: sometimes—depending on how you use your RV and whether it qualifies as a home in the eyes of the IRS.


What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

The Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly known as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC) allows homeowners to claim a tax credit for a percentage of the cost of solar energy systems installed on their primary or secondary residence. As of 2025, the credit remains at 30% of qualified expenses.


Can an RV Qualify?

Yes, if your RV is classified as a "home" by the IRS. According to IRS Publication 523, a home can include:

  • A house
  • Houseboat
  • Mobile home
  • Condominium
  • Cooperative apartment
  • And RVs, as long as they include sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.

So if your RV is used as your primary or secondary residence, it may qualify. Keep in mind:

  • The system must be new (not used or re-installed equipment).
  • The solar equipment must be purchased, not leased.
  • You must have sufficient tax liability to take advantage of the credit.


What Costs Are Eligible?

Eligible expenses may include:

  • Solar panels
  • Inverters
  • Charge controllers
  • Wiring and mounting hardware
  • Batteries (if they store energy from the solar panels)
  • Labor costs for onsite installation and assembly


How to Claim the Federal Solar Tax Credit

If you qualify, claiming the Residential Clean Energy Credit is a relatively straightforward process, typically handled when you file your federal income tax return. Here's how it works:

1. Save Your Documentation

Keep detailed records of your RV solar purchase and installation, including:

  • Invoices and receipts for equipment and labor
  • Itemized quotes showing eligible system components
  • Proof of payment
  • Photos or descriptions of your RV’s sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities (to help support that it qualifies as a residence)

2. File IRS Form 5695

Download and complete IRS Form 5695:

IRS Form 5695 – Residential Energy Credits

You'll include the cost of your solar system and calculate your tax credit on this form. The total credit amount gets transferred to your main tax return (Form 1040).

3. Apply It to Your Tax Bill

The credit reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe. If your credit is larger than your tax liability, you may be able to carry over the remainder to future tax years.

4. Work with a Tax Professional

We strongly recommend working with a qualified tax preparer or accountant to ensure you complete the forms correctly and maximize any benefits.


More Information from IRS Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit


Need Help Designing a Qualifying System?

We design and install custom RV solar systems that may qualify for tax credits if your rig is considered a primary or secondary residence. If you’re unsure what qualifies, we’ll work with you to document your system and provide itemized receipts—so you have what you need when speaking with your tax advisor.

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