Is There Still a 30% Solar Tax Credit in 2026?
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit ended on December 31st, 2025. However, if you’re considering solar panels on Long Island, you can leverage an equivalent discount through the Participate Energy Program.
Available through Power Solutions, the Participate Energy Program is a unique solar lease for homeowners where a 30% commercial solar tax credit is applied as an immediate cost reduction. Participate Energy owns the system while you enjoy a lower-cost pathway to solar and see the savings from the day the installation goes live.
How is the Participate Energy Program Different from a Standard Solar Lease?
The Participate Energy Program is unique because it applies the savings of the 30% commercial tax credit to reduce the cost of a prepaid solar lease. There is also an option to purchase the system at the end of the term, or after year 6 at the fair market value.
The program is able to leverage the commercial tax credit because Participate Energy owns the system and qualifies for the 48E Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The savings are passed directly to the household.
- Participate Energy owns and maintains the system throughout the lease term.
- There are no credit checks or liens. Your FICO score doesn’t matter.
- The lease is transferable if you sell your home.
- The lease is prepaid, so you aren’t locked into decades of lease bills with complex fees and rules.
Participate Energy Solar Lease vs. Outright Ownership
Power Solutions can install Long Island solar panels through the Participate Energy Program, or we can install residential solar where you purchase the system outright or finance it. Both options offer unique advantages.
| Participate Energy Program Solar Lease vs. Ownership | |
| Solar Lease | Outright Ownership |
| 30% Commercial Credit Applied as a Discount on Prepaid Lease | No Federal Credit. May Qualify for a New York State Solar Tax Credit. |
| No Credit Check | Credit Check Required if Financing |
| Can finance the prepaid lease through a third party. | Approved borrowers can finance the purchase with 0% down payment. |
| Can purchase the system at the end of the lease. | Own the system outright from day one. |
Leasing through the Participate Energy Program is the best path if you want Long Island solar panels with the biggest possible discount, no credit check, no UCC lien, and the potential to buy the system at the end of the term. Purchasing solar panels outright can offer you more flexibility if you’re in the position to pay upfront or apply for a standard solar panel loan.
Get a Free Estimate and Consultation from Power Solutions
You can get a free home solar estimate and energy savings evaluation from Power Solutions with a detailed cost/benefit analysis. We can compare leasing and outright ownership so that you can make the best choice for your unique situation.
We provide the information. You make the choice.
Solar panels generate significant long-term savings, whether you lease or buy, and you will have protection from constant electricity rate hikes. Contact Power Solutions at (631) 348-0001 for your free estimate today.
