2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Cottonwood, AZ - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood?

Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% of sales tax on eligible equipment

Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit

Qualifying Wood Stove Deduction

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Deduction
Total cost, exclusive of taxes, interest and other finance charges

Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of increased value

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 encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Arizona or your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • 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: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase 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.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Cottonwood utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

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

Your local Cottonwood solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.

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. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then decrease annually until the date of expiration. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Cottonwood solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives — which might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Arizona — may be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cottonwood

You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the Arizona government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. Growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Call your local solar panel installation company today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Cottonwood home.

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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Cottonwood, AZ 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, and most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To discover the best solar panel installers near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Cottonwood.

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

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for multiple incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives 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 talk through your ideas with your local Cottonwood solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might 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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