2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Jacksonville, AR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Jacksonville.
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 October 25, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Jacksonville?
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Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
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The term "solar incentives" covers a wide 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 could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the Arkansas government or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Jacksonville utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your home. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
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Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. This credit can be claimed on solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To best understand how the ITC could apply to you, speak to your local Jacksonville solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local Jacksonville solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. Solar incentives might be given by your county or municipality, or by the Arkansas government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Jacksonville
There are many types of solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the Arkansas government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy use has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. Talking to your local Jacksonville solar panel installation expert is an excellent first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Jacksonville, AR Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives are intended to 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 specifics. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Jacksonville solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided by the Arkansas government, may have additional requirements.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Jacksonville?
Generally, homeowners in Jacksonville who install solar panels save about $902.73 per year, or about $17,151.93 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Jacksonville.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 350 pounds of CO2 a year by switching to solar panels. This adds up to around 7,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
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.