Again they're receiving more than just tax credits and rebates. They're also receiving loans, a recent $101 million Critical Industry Program grant, tariff protections, and on and on.
However, if you just want to talk taxes we can. A tax exemption or rebate is an asset given to you by the state. It operates not unlike loan forgiveness. You owed something and now they(the state) are waiving that liability.
> When the federal government gives a tax credit for installing residential solar panels
This is absolutely a handout to the solar industry.
A tax credit is still a handout, and double so when they're given to favored industries and companies.