The federal solar tax credit for homeowners ended in 2025 — but for businesses, the picture is very different. Commercial solar still qualifies for a substantial federal tax credit plus accelerated depreciation, and for many Florida businesses 2026 is a window worth taking seriously.
The commercial credit is still here (for now)
While the residential credit expired, the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar remains available. The base credit covers a significant share of a qualifying system's cost, and bonus adders — such as meeting domestic-content requirements — can push the total benefit higher. For many projects that puts the combined federal benefit in the neighborhood of 30–40% of the system cost.
The key word is timing. Federal clean-energy incentives are on a phase-down path, and the rules around deadlines, "begin construction," and placed-in-service dates are detailed and changing. A business considering solar shouldn't assume today's benefit will be there indefinitely — which is exactly why 2026 is worth a serious look.
What that looks like in practice
- Lower operating costs immediately. Solar offsets one of a building's largest recurring bills — electricity — and that saving lands every month for decades.
- A hedge against rate increases. Locking in your energy cost protects your margins as utility rates climb.
- Strong after-tax returns. Between the credit and depreciation, the effective payback for a well-sited commercial system is often dramatically shorter than the raw sticker price suggests.
- Flexible mounting. Rooftop, ground-mount, and carport systems all qualify — useful for warehouses, agricultural operations, retail, and office sites alike.
Who this is a fit for
Commercial solar tends to make the most sense for businesses with meaningful daytime electricity use and enough roof, land, or parking area to host an array — manufacturing and warehousing, agriculture, retail centers, medical and office buildings, and similar. If your business has a tax appetite to use the credit and depreciation, the economics get even better.
How we approach a commercial project
Solar is an electrical project first, and commercial work raises the stakes — interconnection, load, structural, and code considerations all matter. Every May Electric project is designed and installed in-house under licensed master-electrician oversight, and we manage the whole process: engineering, permitting, utility interconnection, installation, and inspection. We'll model the after-tax return for your specific building and usage so you can make the call with real numbers.
The bottom line
For Florida businesses, the combination of a federal tax credit, accelerated depreciation, and rising utility rates makes 2026 a genuinely strong time to evaluate solar — and the incentive window won't stay open forever. Request a free commercial assessment and we'll build the numbers around your property. Curious how the savings flow month to month? Net metering explains the mechanics.
This article is general information, not tax, accounting, or legal advice. Federal incentives, eligibility, bonus adders, and deadlines are complex and subject to change, and depreciation treatment depends on your business's situation. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on current incentives.