Survey Reveals Who Really Benefited from Renewable Energy Tax Incentives
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National Treasury has released its 2025 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Survey Report, shedding light on how individuals and businesses responded to the government’s flagship green tax breaks.
The incentives that formed part of the review:
The 25% rooftop solar rebate for individuals (up to R15,000), and
The 125% accelerated deduction for businesses investing in renewable energy systems.
What the Numbers Say
Only 27% of individual respondents claimed the rebate, with most saying they would have gone solar regardless.
49% of businesses claimed the deduction, and 43% of them said it influenced their investment decision.
Businesses installed larger systems thanks to the tax benefit.
Uptake was highest among high-income earners in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Common barriers included limited time, lack of awareness, and upfront costs.
⚠️ Important to note that the report is based on a voluntary survey with 1,078 responses, which Treasury warns is not statistically representative of all taxpayers. However, it offers early insights while SARS completes its full tax data analysis.
Why This Matters
If you're advising clients on solar installations or renewable energy investments, this report offers valuable insights into which incentives had real impact, and where clients may have missed out. You can use this data to:
Guide future tax planning for clients considering energy upgrades
Explain potential benefits and pitfalls of incentive-based investments
Prepare for likely changes in future rebate structures based on Treasury’s findings.
By understanding uptake trends and barriers, you’ll be better positioned to help clients make informed, strategic decisions.
