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Your Solatube products may qualify for a credit of 30% up to $1,500 on your Federal Tax Returns. They may also qualify for additional local and state incentives. Please consult your local agencies for details or visit the State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency Website.
Manufacturer's Certification Statement  .pdf
FAQs: Federal Tax Credits for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009UPDATED June 2009: How has the new Stimulus Bill affected the tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements? On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the "Stimulus Bill" (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits made available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These changes apply to products "placed in service" in 2009. The highlights are:
- The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010.
- The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
- The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount, have been converted to 30% of the cost.
- The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1,500 total for the two year period (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
Source: www.energystar.gov/tax credit
How does this affect the credit for Solatube Daylighting Systems?
There are two distinct time periods and corresponding performance requirements for the 2009-2010 Federal Tax Credit. In the period from January 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009, skylight products that meet the ENERGY STAR requirements for performance are eligible for the 30% tax credit.
As of June 1, 2009 all skylight products must meet U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) maxima of 0.30.
What Solatube products are eligible for the federal tax credit?
January 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009: Solatube Brighten Up® Series; 160 DS and 290 DS Daylighting Systems are ENERGY STAR rated and eligible. This includes dome, inner dome, flashing, diffuser, effect lens, and any additional tubing required.
June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010: Solatube Brighten Up® Series; 160 DSe and 290 DSe Daylighting Systems qualify for the federal income tax credit allowed under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 25C. This includes dome, inner dome, flashing, thermal insulation panel, diffuser, effect lens, and any additional tubing required.
How much money will I receive for installing Solatube products in my home?
By installing eligible Solatube products, you may receive a tax credit of 30% of the product cost of each Solatube Daylighting System, up to $1,500. Installation cost is not included. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters) is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010.
If an accessory item is installed with the Daylighting System, i.e. Ventilation Add-On Kit, is the cost of the accessory eligible for the federal tax credit?
Accessory items may be eligible. Consult a tax professional.
Do products installed in my second home or rental property qualify?
Products must be installed in the taxpayer’s primary residence to be eligible.
What if I am building a new home?
The tax credit for these products is ONLY available for existing homes. If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.
Under which category can I find Solatube products?
Solatube International products fall under the category of tax credits for windows, doors and skylights.
What documentation do I need to provide to receive the tax credit?
You need to fill out IRS Form 5695 (the 2009 version should be available in late 2009 or early 2010). In addition to this form, save the following:
- Purchase receipts
- Appropriate Manufacturer’s Certification Statement
Additional resources may also be available on the ENERGY STAR web site: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Do I need to attach a copy of this documentation to my tax return?
The taxpayer is not required to attach the invoice or the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement to the tax return on which the credit is claimed. However, the tax accountant may require the document to validate the tax credit claim, and the taxpayer must retain the proof of purchase and installation along with the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement in the event of a tax audit.
Are there local incentives for my county and/or city?
Many local utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified skylights. To find out if rebates or incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR rebate finder at www.energystar.gov
For additional information please visit your state energy office website and local utility company’s website for specific state and local tax information or go to http://www.dsireusa.org the database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. | 
