Tax Breaks, Rebates, Incentives…Oh my! Ways to Save on Your Home’s New Roof You Can’t Afford to Miss

It’s tax season and for homeowners, all the calculations can be confusing. How do you add value to your home by making quality improvements and upgrades like a new, more efficient and better performing metal roof, but not pay higher assessed property taxes? Or better still, earn incentives and rebates by doing so?

The good news is federal programs–and programs available in certain states–can help save you money and protect you through incentives, rebates and tax exemptions for select upgrades. They provide powerful financial incentives for homeowners looking to upgrade their roofs with energy-efficient materials like quality metal roofing. By taking advantage of these programs, you can reduce your upfront costs and enjoy long-term savings on your energy bills.

Homeowners can save on energy efficient, new metal roofs via a variety of federal and state by state programs

For example, under the Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, homeowners in 2026 can claim 30% of the cost of qualified metal roofing materials, up to an annual limit of $1,200. And that’s not all: several regional and state-level incentives also exist for energy efficient metal roofing, as do rebates and incentives offered by select local utilities, including those in California, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan and New York.

Here’s just a sampling of state and regional programs that may be available to help you save when it comes to installing a high-performing, quality metal roof*:  

Arizona: Arizona offers a property tax exemption on the value added by "durable" energy systems, which include certain high-efficiency roofing and solar-integrated metal roofs. This policy is active through 2026.

Florida: Florida is a leader in offering sales tax exemptions for storm-resistant materials. It also offers a property tax exclusion for the added value of renewable energy property, including integrated solar metal roofs. Florida’s Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) provides rebates of up to $5,000 for ENERGY STAR-certified roofing.

Texas: Under Tax Code Section 11.27, Texas provides a 100% property tax exemption for the appraised value added by on-site renewable energy devices. While this primarily covers solar, solar-integrated metal roofing may qualify.

New York: Real Property Tax Law Section 487 provides a 15-year exemption from any property tax increase resulting from the installation of eligible energy systems. This includes "cool roof" technologies and integrated solar-metal systems (note that some local municipalities may require a "Payment in Lieu of Taxes.”) Programs through NYSERDA offer up to $4,000 in rebates for high-efficiency roofing materials.

Oregon: On July 1, 2026, a new property tax exemption (HB 3823) will take effect for residential properties installing "alternative energy systems." This includes systems used for heating or cooling, such as high-reflectance metal roofs that reduce thermal load. Oregon’s new exemption requires installation on or after July 1, 2026. In both Oregon and Washington, residents can access incentives for specific metal roofing components, such as $2.00 per sq. ft. for metal building roof insulation. 

California: Through the Energy Upgrade California program, homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for energy-efficient roofing materials when combined with other qualifying upgrades.

General requirements to qualify for tax exemptions

To qualify for these exemptions in 2026, homeowners typically must meet the following criteria:

• Primary Residence: The exemption is usually restricted to your principal home and does not apply to new construction or rentals.

• Specific Certifications: Most states require the metal roof to be ENERGY STAR® certified or meet specific Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) standards for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Be sure to check with your manufacturer and installer for verification that your new roof meets these standards.

• Installation Deadline: Systems must be placed in service during the qualifying tax year. Application Filing: You must often file a specific application with your County Assessor by a set deadline (frequently December 31 of the installation year) to claim the exemption; it is rarely applied automatically.

  
  

Tips for how to apply for rebates

Applying for roofing rebates generally involves a few straightforward steps:

• Research: Identify available rebates and eligibility requirements through federal, state, and local government websites, as well as your utility company.

• Purchase Qualifying Materials: Ensure the roofing materials meet the specified energy efficiency standards.

• Save Documentation: Keep all receipts, certification statements, and any required forms.

• Submit Applications: Follow the application process outlined by the rebate provider, which may include online forms or mail-in applications.

• Consult Professionals: Work with a licensed roofing contractor who can help navigate the rebate application process.

  
  

Finally, there are also resilience and disaster mitigation grants available to harden homes against severe storms if you live in coastal or high-wind areas. For example, South Carolina offers SC Safe Home, a program that provides mitigation grants (typically up to $5,000) for retrofitting roofs to meet stronger wind standards.

Also available is FORTIFIED Fund, a grant program provides up to $10,000 to help homeowners upgrade to a "FORTIFIED" roof standard, which often includes metal roofing due to its high wind resistance. USDA Housing Preservation Grants offers low-income homeowners (particularly those aged 62 or older in rural areas) the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for critical home repairs, including roof replacement. 

*Legal Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, accounting, or legal advice, and the Metal Roofing Alliance disclaims any liability for actions taken based on its contents.

*Note: Tax rules are subject to change. Check the latest information and status that may be applicable for your state and region.