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

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

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 Vail 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

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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 Vail?

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

Trico Electric Cooperative - SunWatts Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.40 per expected first year kWh savings

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/


Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. You might qualify for different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Arizona and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of the solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Vail utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. 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 predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of installing solar panels, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Vail solar panel installation expert.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Vail solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives may come from the Arizona government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Vail

Nationwide solar energy use has gone up tremendously in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Arizona government. Call your local solar panel installation expert today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Vail 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 Vail, AZ Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

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

How do I know if I qualify for different solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Vail solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those given by the state of Arizona, may have other requirements.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 500 pounds yearly, or around 11,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set 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.

If I switch my appliances out for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

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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