PF! E26: Understanding Safe Harbor Programs

PF! E26: Understanding Safe Harbor Programs

From Solar r.e.view Podcast by Solar r.e.view

June 3, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of safe harbor programs for solar installers and the implications of upcoming deadlines.

With the July 4th deadline approaching, now is the time to review your safe harbor strategy. Safe harboring allows you to establish the beginning of construction and secure domestic content percentages without physically breaking ground on a project. Planning ahead matters. Installers who do not safe harbor may face a harder time competing on projects after 2026 against companies that secured current tax credit benefits earlier. Understanding domestic content percentages, project thresholds, and qualification requirements now can help create more flexibility for the years ahead. *We are not tax professionals. Consult your tax professional about safe harbor and other tax incentives. 00:50 Safe harbor overview and upcoming deadlines 02:05 What if you miss the deadline? 02:46 Understanding percentages and eligible expenditures 04:08 Demonstrating project construction start dates 06:14 How does the IRS define work of a significant nature? 08:24 Necessary documentation for safe harboring 09:17 Importance of interconnection and permitting 10:25 Key takeaways for solar installers to safe harbor projects

Topics covered

  • safe harbor programs
  • tax credits
  • solar installation
  • domestic content percentages
  • project construction
  • interconnection
  • permitting

Keywords

  • safe harbor
  • tax incentives
  • construction start dates
  • eligible expenditures
  • documentation
  • interconnection
  • permitting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: IRS

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