2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Vernon, CT - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Vernon.
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 Vernon?
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
(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/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Various kinds of incentives, like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the Connecticut government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Vernon utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
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
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, 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 cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, accessories and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Speaking with your local Vernon solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to your situation.
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. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, talk to your local Vernon solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Connecticut. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Vernon
Solar incentives might be provided by your local utility company, the federal government or the Connecticut government. The growing number of available solar incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. We recommend talking to your local Vernon solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all the money you can for your solar panels.
EcoWatch's Vernon, CT Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels. Do I qualify for any incentives?
You should plan to talk to someone from the company that installed your system – or get in touch with a local Vernon solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Vernon home?
Typically, homeowners in Vernon who install solar panels save approximately $1,151.22 per year, or about $21,873.10 over 20 years after they make the switch.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
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.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify 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.