Solar installation Tax Credit

[zach477]

So the solar tax credit can cover everything included in the installalation of solar panels. This includes batteries, however, from what I understand, the batteries need to be charged from the solar panels at least 70 percent of the time. If they're charged from shore power 50 percent of the time, for example, you can no longer receive the tax credit for the cost of the batteries.

How does one accurately monitor this? Estimate?

How would Uncle Sam verify it?

Could I turn off/disconnected the converter so the solar panels charged the batteries, and shore power ran the 110 V system? Would the panels keep the engine battery topped off as well?

[Bumpyroad]

is your RV your primary residence?
bumpy

[time2roll]

If the IRS comes out just turn off the converter then.

Check voltage on the chassis battery is above 13.2 volts and it is getting charged. 12.8 or less is not getting charged. Just add a Trik-L-Start combiner if needed.

[zach477]

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2013/04/irs-confirms-that-batteries-qualify-for-the-energy-tax-credit-but-imposes-limitations.html

I believe it was a ruling made by the IRS after they came out with the tax credit.

I mistakenly said 70 percent. It is actually 75.

[Dick_B]

It may pay to review IRS form 5695 to fully answer your question or take the question to your favorite CPA; which I am not.
My reading of the form indicates 30% of the cost of the solar installation can be deducted from your tax obligation for the year of the installation. I saw nothing that indicated battery charging was involved nor would the credit be valid for succeeding years. If the credit is greater than the amount of tax owed the balance can be carried over to 2016.
There may be a limit of $500 for all such Residential Energy credits since 2005 or so.