When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Getty Images) For more information, read Kiplinger’s report, IRS Solar Tax Credit Payouts Soar. Is the solar tax credit going away? So far, the incoming president hasn't commented directly on whether the solar tax credit is up for the chopping block. However, a recent NPR report highlights how uncertainty surrounding the popular clean energy tax credit has caused some homeowners to accelerate their solar installation plans. For instance, a Boston-area resident quoted by NPR described his efforts to expedite a home solar panel project, completing it before the end of last year. The urgency stemmed partly from concern the new administration might reduce or eliminate the solar tax credit. The report suggests this could be part of a broader trend as consumers and solar companies brace for potential policy shifts that could significantly impact the renewable energy landscape. Notably, these concerns may be for good reason besides the tax credit: tariffs on foreign solar panels have been imposed before. Solar panel sales and tariffs Seven years ago, solar tariffs began as part of a Trump administration bill that included washing machines. The tariff started at 30% for foreign imports and decreased by 5% each year. Three years ago, President Biden extended the then-15% tariff for another four years. Earlier this month, the Biden administration also enacted a 50% tariff on Chinese “solar cell” imports. To see how these tariffs might affect solar panel production, here are a couple of quick facts about foreign solar investment: Chinese production companies serve almost half of the U.S. solar market, according to the Institute for Energy Research. However, foreign solar panel investment in the U.S. has increased, with one company investing over $2.5 billion in expanding U.S.-based manufacturing operations.