2023 Solar Incentives Guide for San Tan Valley, AZ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in San Tan Valley.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in San Tan Valley?
Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax Exemption
Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit
Qualifying Wood Stove Deduction
Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption
SRP - Solar Water Heating Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives encourage people to switch their home over 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 offered federally, while others are provided by the Arizona government or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your San Tan Valley utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
- 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.)
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from the total price before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Your local San Tan Valley solar panel installer can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local San Tan Valley solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Incentives may be offered by the state of Arizona, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in San Tan Valley
There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the federal government and those given by the Arizona government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. If you're ready to switch over to solar energy, reaching out to your local San Tan Valley solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's San Tan Valley, AZ Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. 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 best understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in San Tan Valley annually?
Typically, San Tan Valley homeowners who install solar panels save around $1,271.07 per year, or around $24,150.29 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 500 pounds annually, or around 11,000 pounds over 20 years.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money possible.
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.