2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Scottsdale, AZ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale?
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
City of Scottsdale - Green Building Incentives
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the state of Arizona or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Scottsdale utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates can be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
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 apply towards a solar panel system 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 the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
Your local Scottsdale solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Scottsdale solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Similar to federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. The incentives — which might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Arizona — may be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Scottsdale
There are many kinds of solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the Arizona government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. The use of solar energy has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. Call your local solar panel installer today to discover more about the various programs and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Scottsdale home.
EcoWatch's Scottsdale, AZ Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
In most cases, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Arizona government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Scottsdale solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Scottsdale.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
You can reduce your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 11,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled 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 apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied could vary depending on which incentives you receive but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Talk with your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all of the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.
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.