Loan Traps

They Promised a 30% Tax Credit — I Never Got It

March 26, 2026 · 4 min read

A huge part of the solar sales pitch was the federal tax credit — often described as a guaranteed 'check' or 'rebate' that would cover a big chunk of the system. For a lot of Florida homeowners, it turned out to be worth nothing. Here's why, and what it means.

How the credit actually works

The federal residential solar credit (currently 30%) is a nonrefundable tax credit — it only helps if you owe federal income tax. Many homeowners, especially retirees and people on fixed incomes, don't have enough tax liability to use it. It's not a rebate, not a check, and not guaranteed to you.

Worse, many solar loans assumed you'd use that credit to make a prepayment — so when the credit didn't materialize, the loan payment jumped.

What to do

Save any sales materials, texts, or emails that described the tax credit as guaranteed money or a rebate.
Document that you couldn't actually claim or use it.
Raise it as part of a deceptive-practices and disclosure claim with your lender and an attorney.

We document how the tax credit was sold to you versus reality — and connect you with a vetted Florida attorney.

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We are not tax advisors or lawyers. General information only — consult a tax professional and an attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Is the solar tax credit a guaranteed check?

No. It's a nonrefundable federal tax credit that only reduces taxes you actually owe. It's not a rebate or a check, and homeowners without enough tax liability — like many retirees — may not be able to use it at all.

What if I was promised a tax credit I couldn't use?

If a salesperson described the credit as guaranteed money to get you to sign, that may support a deceptive-practices claim — especially if your loan was structured around a prepayment you were counting on the credit to cover. Keep the sales materials and talk to an attorney.