Can I claim a Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar panels on my converted van/RV?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out if I can claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit (Form 5695, Part 1) for a solar setup I installed on my converted van last year. Here's the situation - my wife and I bought a van in 2024 and converted it into a full camper with all the amenities: sleeping area, kitchen with running water, toilet, the works. As part of the build, I installed solar panels, inverters, and a battery storage system (4800kw capacity, which I believe meets the IRS threshold). The total cost for all the solar components and battery storage was around $8,500, so we're looking at a potential 30% tax credit of about $2,550. We use this van extensively - typically living in it for about 3 months each year while traveling across the country visiting family, national parks, etc. I'm getting totally conflicting information about whether the van/RV qualifies as a "second residence" for this tax credit. I spent over an hour on the phone with different IRS reps, and none could give me a straight answer beyond reading me the same vague publications I'd already seen. Most solar installation companies insist it qualifies (they keep referencing some 14-day occupancy rule). Would really appreciate advice from anyone with tax prep experience, especially if you've had the IRS deny a similar claim (and why). I definitely don't want to claim this credit now only to have the IRS deny it later and hit me with penalties. Thanks in advance!

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20 comments

Isabella Costa

•8M

The Residential Clean Energy Credit is tricky when it comes to mobile structures like converted vans. Here's what you need to know: For a dwelling to qualify as a residence for this credit, it needs to be used as a residence. The IRS doesn't explicitly exclude mobile homes or RVs from being considered residences, but there are some important distinctions. The "14-day rule" the solar companies are referencing likely comes from the definition of a "second home" for mortgage interest deduction purposes, not specifically for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. For a property to be considered a second home, you generally need to use it for personal purposes for more than 14 days or 10% of the days it's rented out, whichever is greater. Since you're using the van for approximately 90 days a year as living quarters, it might qualify as a residence. However, the bigger question is whether a converted van (rather than a manufactured RV) meets the definition of a "dwelling unit" according to the IRS.

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Isabella Costa

•8M

A "dwelling unit" generally includes houses, apartments, condos, mobile homes, boats, and similar structures that have basic living accommodations like sleeping space, toilet, and cooking facilities. Since your conversion includes all these amenities, it could qualify as a dwelling unit. Registration classification (van vs. RV) typically doesn't affect the tax treatment directly. What matters more is how the vehicle is equipped and used. The fact that you've installed permanent living features and use it regularly as living quarters strengthens your position that it's a residence.

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StarSurfer

•8M

I went through something similar with my solar setup and found taxr.ai super helpful for sorting through these confusing tax credit situations. I was getting mixed messages from everyone about my eligibility for the Residential Clean Energy Credit too. I uploaded my documentation to https://taxr.ai and they analyzed all my receipts and build specs, then gave me a clear answer with the exact IRS guidelines that applied to my situation. Their analysis explained exactly how the "dwelling unit" definition applies to mobile living spaces and gave me confidence about what I could claim. They even provided documentation to keep with my tax records in case of an audit. Much better than the hour-long runaround from the IRS!

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StarSurfer

•8M

My situation was for a tiny home on wheels, so very similar to your van conversion. They specifically addressed the mobile nature of the dwelling and how the IRS generally treats these situations. They knew exactly which revenue rulings and tax court cases applied. For the skeptical commenter, they provided much more than what's on the IRS website. They cited specific tax court cases and private letter rulings that aren't easily found in general publications. Their documentation included everything needed to support my position in case of audit, including precedents where similar claims were upheld.

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Ravi Malhotra

•8M

Just wanted to update everyone. I decided to try taxr.ai after my skeptical comment above. I'm honestly shocked at how helpful it was. I had a somewhat similar situation with a solar installation on my boat that I live on part-time, and I couldn't get a straight answer anywhere. The analysis I got was incredibly detailed - they pointed me to an obscure IRS private letter ruling that directly addressed installations on mobile residences used as second homes. They explained exactly how the 30% credit applies in my situation and what documentation I needed to keep. Wish I'd known about this before spending hours on hold with the IRS getting nowhere!

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Freya Christensen

•8M

If you keep hitting walls with the IRS on the phone, I'd recommend using Claimyr to actually get through to a knowledgeable agent. I was in a similar situation trying to get clarification on a tax credit and spent weeks trying to reach someone who could help. Used https://claimyr.com and they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. There's a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was actually able to speak with someone in the specific department that handles these energy credits who gave me a definitive answer instead of the generic helpline people who just read from scripts. Having that direct conversation with a specialist made all the difference for my situation.

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Freya Christensen

•8M

The service uses an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold in your place. When they actually get a live person, you get a call connecting you directly to that agent. It's basically like having someone wait on hold for you. It's definitely real. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying to get through for weeks. The reason it works is they're constantly calling and have multiple lines going at once, so when one gets through, they connect you. Nothing magical about it - just a smart system that saves you from being the one sitting on hold for hours.

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Ravi Malhotra

•8M

I have to eat my words about Claimyr. I tried it yesterday after posting my skeptical comment because I was desperate to talk to someone about my solar credit questions. Got connected to an actual IRS tax law specialist in about 20 minutes when I had previously given up after 2+ hours on hold. The specialist I spoke with was able to tell me that my situation (solar on a boat I live on seasonally) actually does qualify as a second residence for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. They cited the specific internal guidance they use to evaluate these claims and told me exactly what documentation to include with my return. Would've never gotten this info otherwise.

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Chloe Robinson

•8M

One thing to consider - the 4800kw storage system you mentioned should actually be "4.8kWh" or "4800Wh" for battery capacity. Make sure you're using the correct terminology on your tax forms! The IRS requirements for battery storage to qualify changed recently and now there's a minimum capacity requirement of 3kWh, which your system exceeds. Also, keep really detailed records of all components, their costs, and installation expenses. Document that the system is truly integrated into your van's living space and not just for auxiliary/optional power. Take photos of the installation showing it powers your essential living systems.

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Chloe Robinson

•8M

Definitely keep a log showing your actual usage of the van as a residence - dates, locations, etc. to support your claim that you're using it for the required amount of time as a dwelling. Also, hang onto any maintenance records for the solar system itself. If you have any documentation showing the system is permanently mounted (not portable/removable), that helps too. And since it's a DIY conversion rather than a manufactured RV, keep info about building codes or standards you followed for the electrical system if applicable. The more you can show it's a proper permanent installation in a legitimate dwelling, the stronger your case.

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Connor Gallagher

•2M

I went through a very similar situation with my converted van solar setup last year. After doing extensive research and consulting with a tax attorney, I claimed the credit and here's what I learned: The key factor isn't whether it's registered as a van vs RV, but whether it meets the IRS definition of a "dwelling unit" - which yours clearly does with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. The fact that you use it 3 months per year as actual living quarters strengthens your position significantly. I documented everything: receipts for all solar components, photos of the permanent installation, a usage log showing dates and locations where we lived in it, and proof that the solar system powers essential living systems (not just convenience items). One crucial point - make sure your solar system is permanently installed and integrated into the van's electrical system. Portable panels that can be easily removed don't qualify, but it sounds like yours is a proper permanent installation. I successfully claimed about $3,200 in credits for my setup and haven't had any issues. The 30% credit applies to the solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, and qualifying battery storage. Just make sure you're only claiming components that are part of the solar energy system itself, not general electrical work. Keep detailed records and you should be fine. The IRS guidance on "dwelling units" is actually broader than most people think when it comes to mobile residences used as actual homes.

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Andre Rousseau

•1M

This is exactly the kind of real-world experience I was hoping to hear about! Thank you so much for sharing the details about your successful claim. It's really reassuring to know someone with a similar setup has gone through this process without issues. I'm particularly interested in your mention of consulting with a tax attorney - was that expensive? And did they provide any specific documentation or letter that you kept with your tax records? I'm wondering if it's worth the investment to have professional backing before I file, especially since we're talking about a $2,550 credit that I definitely don't want to lose to penalties later. Also, when you say "qualifying battery storage" - did you have to meet that 3kWh minimum capacity requirement that was mentioned earlier, or were there other specifications the attorney told you about?

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