2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Hope, AR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Hope.
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.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Hope?
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers to a wide range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be offered by the Arkansas government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Hope utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. An incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar systems 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, accessories, equipment and labor — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Hope solar panel installer.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. This new credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Hope solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. Incentives may be offered by the state of Arkansas, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hope
The large number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Arkansas government or from your local utility company. Your local Hope solar panel installation expert can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
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- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
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- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hope, AR Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
You should plan to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels — or reach out to a local Hope solar installer — to learn about which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Hope?
On average, homeowners in Hope who install solar panels save about $923.02 per year, or about $17,537.34 over 20 years after making the switch.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is slated 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.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates 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.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money you can.
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.