Solar incentives vary widely by country and region. This overview covers the main mechanisms and where to look for 2026 programs.
Common incentive types
- Upfront grants / tax credits: reduce capital cost at purchase (e.g. percentage of system price).
- Net metering: export surplus electricity to the grid for credit.
- Feed-in tariffs: fixed payment per kWh generated.
- Green loans / accelerated depreciation: lower the financing cost.
Residential vs commercial
Residential programs favor simple credits and net metering; commercial projects often use tax equity, depreciation and corporate PPAs.
How to apply
- Confirm eligible equipment (certified modules/inverters).
- Keep invoices and grid-connection documents.
- Apply through the official portal before commissioning where required.
Pair incentives with the right hardware in our solar panel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does net metering still exist in 2026?
Many regions have moved to net billing with lower export rates, but net metering remains in several markets.
Are commercial and residential incentives different?
Yes — commercial solar usually relies on tax benefits and PPAs, while residential uses credits and net metering.