2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Sierra Vista Southeast solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Sierra Vista Southeast?

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

Sulphur Springs Valley EC - SunWatts Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.250 per estimated first year kWh savings

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/


The phrase "solar incentives" covers a 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. The incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Arizona and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Sierra Vista Southeast utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a predetermined 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. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To more fully understand how the ITC might apply to your situation, call your local Sierra Vista Southeast solar panel installation expert and request more information.

In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. With the new provisions, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then see a slight annual decrease until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local Sierra Vista Southeast solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Similar to federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. These incentives might be provided by the Arizona government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Sierra Vista Southeast

The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up tremendously in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Arizona government. Getting in touch with your local Sierra Vista Southeast solar panel installer is a great first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

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EcoWatch's Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Sierra Vista Southeast solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided by the Arizona government, may have additional requirements.

If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?

You should plan to talk to the company that installed your solar system — or call a local Sierra Vista Southeast solar installer — to better understand which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my Sierra Vista Southeast home?

Once you add solar panels to your Sierra Vista Southeast home, you can expect to save about $1,432.08 per year, or about $27,209.57 over the next 20 years.

Can I apply for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order that incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all possible incentives 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.

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