2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Anniston, AL - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Anniston.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Anniston solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Anniston?

Wood-Burning Heating System Deduction

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Deduction

Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive

Alabama Power - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Varies, up to 100% of project cost for qualifying customers

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Alabama or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Anniston utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, accessories and labor — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Contact your local Anniston solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Anniston solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. These solar incentives — which might be handled by the state of Alabama, or by your county or municipality — may be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Anniston

The large number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Alabama government. Reaching out to your local Anniston solar panel installer is the best first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.

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EcoWatch's Anniston, AL Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.

How do I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Anniston solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Alabama government, might have additional requirements.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Anniston solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you may or may not qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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