What Homeowners and Businesses Need to Know in 2025
Metal roofing is a smart investment—durable, energy-efficient, and built to last a lifetime. But can it also save you money on your taxes? If you’re wondering whether your roofing project qualifies for energy credits, you’re not alone. Here’s what homeowners and businesses in Oregon, Washington, and across the U.S. need to know about current tax credits for metal roofing and energy efficiency improvements.
Federal Energy Credits: What’s Changed?
If you’ve heard about roofing tax credits in the past, you might be thinking of the now-expired $500 credit for reflective metal and asphalt roofs. That program ended in 2021 and has not been renewed. But today’s incentives fall under two updated categories from the IRS:
1. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C)
- Covers 10%–30% of certain upgrades, including insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, and air sealing material or system.
- Metal roofing is not currently listed as a qualifying expense under 2023–2025 guidelines unless it directly supports a solar system.
- To qualify, materials must meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards.
2. Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D)
- Offers a 30% credit on renewable energy systems like:
- Solar electric (photovoltaic)
- Solar water heaters
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Battery storage (3 kWh+)
- Fuel cell property
- A metal roof used to support solar panels may partially qualify if part of the structural solar system.
Does Metal Roofing Qualify for Tax Credits in 2025?
Not by itself.
- There is no federal tax credit for metal roofing alone, even if it’s highly reflective or ENERGY STAR® most efficient-rated.
- But if you’re installing solar and the roof is integral to that installation as part of an energy-efficient property, you may qualify under the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
- Always confirm your situation with a tax advisor.
Oregon and Washington: Local Energy Incentives
Washington State
- Offers a 100% sales and use tax exemption for solar systems under 100 kW
- Saves homeowners $2,000 or more
- Valid through December 31, 2029
- Does not apply to roofing alone—but solar + roof combos are common
Local utility providers in Washington often offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades, especially those that help lower electricity use. To find out what’s available in your area, we recommend visiting your utility company’s website for the most up-to-date program details.
Oregon State
While there are no tax credits for metal roofing alone, there are ways to save a little money by using solar with your metal roofing.
- Offers the Solar + Storage Rebate Program
- Up to $5,000 for solar
- Additional rebates for battery storage
- Higher rebate levels for low- and moderate-income households
- Contractor must reserve the rebate before installation begins
- Rebates are applied directly to the cost, no waiting for a check
Many utility providers in Oregon offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient home improvements, including upgrades that help reduce energy consumption. Since programs can vary by region and provider, it’s best to check with your specific utility company for the most current offerings.
What Roofing Materials Qualify?
Under today’s IRS guidelines:
Qualifies if…
- Roof is part of a solar system
- Supports or integrates with eligible solar equipment
Does not qualify if…
- Roofing is installed alone, even if reflective
- The system does not include solar or another renewable energy upgrade
For Businesses: What About Commercial Buildings?
Commercial buildings may qualify under different programs:
- Section 179D provides deductions for energy-efficient upgrades (lighting, HVAC, insulation)
- Roofing typically doesn’t qualify unless it’s part of a total building envelope strategy
- Businesses may benefit more from solar installation credits, especially paired with new roofing
Always consult a CPA familiar with energy property credits and commercial depreciation or what else qualifies for the credit.
What About Solar Tax Credits?
If you’re installing solar with your metal roof, you’re in luck.
The Residential Clean Energy Credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the total solar project cost from their federal taxes, as long as the system is installed by December 31, 2025. In some cases, metal roofing used as a solar mounting platform may be partially eligible for the credit.
🔗 Read our full guide to solar tax credits →
How to Claim Energy Credits
If your project qualifies:
- Gather receipts and certifications
- Work with your tax advisor or CPA
- Fill out IRS Form 5695
- Report your credit on Form 1040 (Schedule 3) during tax filing
What About That $500 Roofing Credit I Heard About?
You may have seen past references to a $500 tax credit for metal roofing. That credit did exist, but it expired at the end of 2021 tax year and hasn’t been reinstated.
Under the prior version of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), homeowners could claim up to 10% of the cost of certain qualified energy efficiency improvements, including metal roofs with reflective coatings. To qualify, the roof had to:
- Be made of metal with pigmented coatings
- Be specifically and primarily designed to reduce heat gain
- Meet ENERGY STAR® requirements for steep-slope roofing
- Be installed on the homeowner’s primary residence in the U.S.
- Be expected to last at least 5 years
This provision also applied to manufactured homes and was based on compliance with the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as in effect at the time of the law’s passage.
However, the current version of Section 25C no longer includes roofing as a qualifying improvement. While metal roofing remains a smart energy-efficient upgrade, it no longer qualifies for a federal tax credit on its own as of 2025.
Tax Credits for Metal Roofing FAQs
Does metal roofing qualify for a tax credit in 2025?
Not by itself. The previous $500 tax credit for reflective metal roofs expired in 2021. As of 2025, metal roofing is not eligible for a standalone federal credit—but it may qualify if installed as part of a solar system.
Can I claim a tax credit if I install solar panels with my metal roof?
Yes. If your metal roof is part of a solar installation and supports the solar system, a portion of the roofing cost may be eligible under the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit, available through December 31, 2025.
What form do I need to claim energy tax credits?
Use IRS Form 5695 to claim both the Residential Clean Energy Credit and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. You’ll include totals on Schedule 3 and Form 1040 when filing your taxes.
Do Oregon or Washington offer state incentives for roofing?
Not directly. However, both states offer valuable solar incentives that pair well with metal roofing:
- Washington offers a sales tax exemption on solar through 2029.
- Oregon provides a Solar + Storage Rebate of up to $5,000 for eligible homeowners.
What’s the best way to know if my project qualifies?
Always consult a licensed tax professional. Eligibility depends on your home, your tax situation, and whether your roof is part of a qualifying energy system—especially when combining solar with metal roofing.
Final Thoughts: Energy Efficiency Is Still a Smart Investment
While the federal tax credit for standalone metal roofing is no longer active, smart homeowners and businesses can still maximize energy-related savings—especially by pairing roofing with solar.
Mountaintop Metal Roofing can help you:
- Understand your energy-efficient roofing options
- Coordinate timelines for roof + solar installs
- Ensure you’re ready to meet tax deadlines before December 31, 2025
Ready to explore your options? Schedule your free estimate today.