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

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

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 Odenville 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 Odenville?

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/


The term "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the Alabama government or your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Odenville utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

Your local Odenville solar panel installer can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will be decreased slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Odenville solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. These incentives may be given by the Alabama government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Odenville

The expanding number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the Alabama government or the federal government. If you're prepared to switch over to solar energy, talking to your local Odenville solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Odenville, AL Solar Incentives FAQs

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

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

Typically, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Alabama government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Odenville solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can get?

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

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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