Independent guide · Updated for 2026
One guide to solar incentives in 10 countries
Compare government tax credits, rebates, grants and buyback programs for homeowners in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, Australia, Spain and the Netherlands — explained in plain language.
Solar incentives at a glance
Every country handles solar support differently. Here’s the main type of help available in each one, so you can see where to look first.
United States
Federal tax credit plus state-level rebates.
30% tax credit
United Kingdom
No sales tax on installs, plus export payments.
0% VAT + SEG
Canada
Federal grants and low-interest loans.
Grants + loans
Germany
Low-interest loans and guaranteed export rates.
KfW loans
France
A one-time bonus for self-consumption systems.
Self-use bonus
Italy
Multi-year tax deductions on installation cost.
Tax deduction
Brazil
Net metering credits for extra power exported.
Net metering
Australia
Upfront discount through tradeable certificates.
STC rebate
Spain
Property tax discounts for solar homes.
IBI tax cut
Netherlands
VAT refund on panels and installation.
VAT refund
What counts as a solar incentive?
Incentive programs use different names in different countries, but most fall into one of these four types.
💳
Tax credits
Claim back part of your solar costs when you file your taxes.
💰
Rebates
Get a cash payment after your installation is complete and inspected.
🏷
Grants
Receive money upfront from the government to help cover the cost.
🔌
Buyback programs
Get paid or credited for extra electricity your panels send to the grid.
Solar incentive guides by country
Pick your country to see how the incentive works, who can apply, and what it could be worth for your home.
United States
The federal solar tax credit lets homeowners claim 30% of their system cost back on their taxes. Many states add their own rebates, tax exemptions, and net metering on top of this.
United Kingdom
UK homeowners pay no VAT on solar installations. The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for extra electricity sent back to the grid, even after your system is fully paid off.
Canada
The Greener Homes program offers grants and low-interest loans for solar panels and other home upgrades. Many provinces add their own rebates on top of the federal support.
Germany
Germany supports solar through low-interest loans from the KfW bank, plus a guaranteed rate for any extra electricity you export. Some regions also fund home battery storage.
France
France pays a one-time bonus for self-consumption solar systems, known as the “prime à l’autoconsommation”. You can also sell extra electricity back to the grid at a set rate.
Italy
Italy lets homeowners deduct part of their solar costs from their taxes over several years. A program called “scambio sul posto” also offsets power drawn from the grid.
Brazil
Brazil’s net metering law lets homeowners send extra solar power to the grid and receive credit on future electricity bills. Some states also reduce taxes on solar equipment.
Australia
Small-scale Technology Certificates lower the upfront cost of a solar system based on its size and location. Several states add their own rebates for solar and home batteries.
Spain
Spain offers a discount on a local property tax, called IBI, for homes with solar panels. Some regions also fund self-consumption systems and battery storage.
Netherlands
Dutch homeowners can claim back the VAT paid on solar panels and installation. A program called “salderen” lets you offset the power you use with the power you export.
Free tool
How much could solar save you?
Enter your average electricity bill and country to get a quick estimate of your system size, cost, available incentives, and payback time.
Why use this guide
There are a lot of solar websites out there. Here’s what we do differently.
01
Written in plain language
We explain government rules in simple words. You don’t need to be a tax expert to understand what you might qualify for.
02
Checked and updated often
Solar incentive programs change every year. We review each country’s guide regularly and note when something has changed.
03
Independent information
We don’t sell installations or pass your details to installers. This guide exists to inform you, not to generate sales leads.
Latest guides
Deeper dives into specific incentive programs, written for homeowners.
United States
The federal solar tax credit, explained
How the 30% credit works, who can claim it, and how to file it with your tax return.
Germany
KfW solar loans: how they work
What KfW financing covers, current interest rates, and how to apply through your bank.
Australia
STC rebates and what they mean for your quote
Why your solar quote already includes a discount, and how that discount is calculated.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a solar incentive?▼
Solar incentives include tax credits, cash rebates, government grants, and buyback or net metering programs. Each one lowers the cost of going solar in a different way, either upfront, over time, or through your tax return.
Can I use more than one incentive at a time?▼
In most countries, yes. National programs, such as a federal tax credit, often work alongside regional or local rebates. Check the rules for your specific area, since some programs cannot be combined.
Do solar incentives ever end?▼
Yes. Governments set budgets and deadlines for these programs. Some incentives reduce in value over time, and others close once a funding limit is reached. We note the current status in each country guide.
Do I need a professional to apply for incentives?▼
Often your solar installer will handle the paperwork for rebates and grants as part of the installation. For some programs, such as tax credits, you or your accountant will need to file the claim yourself.
Get notified when incentives change
We’ll send you an update when a program in your country launches, changes, or is about to close.