2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Shelton, CT - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Shelton.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Shelton?
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal Systems
Residential Solar Investment Program
Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W
10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W
Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%.
Third-Party-Owned (PBI):
Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years
Minimum Design Factor 60%
Connecticut Green Energy Building Solutions
Smart-E loans
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient Products
Energy Conservation Loan
Landlord Loan: $40,000
The United Illuminating Company - Small ZREC Tariff
Eversource - Small ZREC Tariff
Energy Efficiency Fund (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing
(Electric and Gas) Residential Rebate Program
Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Central A/C: $200
Air Source Heat Pumps: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500
High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800
Local Option - Residential Sustainable Energy Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Connecticut or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Shelton utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
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, labor, equipment and accessories. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Shelton solar panel installer.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit equal to 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 decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Shelton solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more can be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. The incentives — which may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Connecticut — may be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Shelton
There are a variety of solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those offered by the federal government and those given by the Connecticut government, to name a few. Solar energy use has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. When you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Shelton solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Shelton, CT Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those given out by the Connecticut government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Shelton solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Shelton?
Once you add solar panels to your home in Shelton, you can anticipate savings of about $1,356.60 per year, or around $25,775.39 over 20 years.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
Can I use a combination of 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. Be sure to go over your ideas with your local Shelton solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you will or won't qualify for.
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property located within the United States that you own; 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 better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.
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.