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

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

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 Oxford 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 Oxford?

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 encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Different types of incentives, like cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the Alabama government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Oxford utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC applies to the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Oxford solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After 2032, the credit percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Oxford 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 may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. These solar incentives — which might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Alabama — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Oxford

The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the federal government, the Alabama government or your local utility company. Your local Oxford solar panel installation company can give you more information about which incentives you should apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

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 Oxford, AL Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

Broadly, solar incentives apply to:

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

Specific incentives, including those run by the Alabama government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Oxford solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Oxford.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to around 9,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as 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.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination 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. Be sure to go over your plan with your local Oxford solar installer. They can help you plan 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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