Some states offer their own tax incentives, and utilities may offer rebates for installing solar. In some cases, rebates may affect the size of the federal credit, so consult a tax professional for help calculating your potential benefit, Ms. Walker said. Some solar contractors also do roofs or work closely with roofing companies, so you may be able to economize by having them done at the same time, she said. Some solar contractors offer the option to lease the system rather than buy it, but in that case you won’t own it — so you don’t qualify for the tax credit, Ms. Walker said. Like any home-improvement project, solar installations may attract disreputable contractors, said Melanie McGovern, a spokeswoman for the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

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Persons: Walker, . Jones, Albertus, Aggarwal, Melanie McGovern, McGovern, “ Organizations: Solar Energy Industries Association, North American Board of Certified Energy, International Association of Better Business