2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Jacksonville, FL - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Jacksonville 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Jacksonville?

Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive

Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Residential: 100% of the added value
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value

Florida PACE programs

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Determined locally

JEA - Solar Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program

Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$5,000

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Ceiling Insulation: $0.11 per square foot
Spray Foam Insulation: $0.28 per square foot
Window Film: $0.44 per square foot
Solar Shade Screen: $0.44 per square foot
Solar Water Heating: $0.01 per BTU
Heat Pump Water Heater: $175
Heat Recovery Unit: $200
HVAC: $250

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Conservation Loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$7,500

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Solar Thermal Loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$7,500

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Solar Water Heater Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.01 per BTU output

Beaches Energy Services - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Solar Water Heater: $500

Beaches Energy Services - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pumps: $100 - $300
Air Conditioners: $100 - $300
Insulation Upgrade: $0.125 per square foot, up to $300
Window Film/Solar Screen: cost of project, up to $100
Heat Pump Water Heater/Solar Water Heater: $500

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 meant to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. You might qualify for several types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back 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 Florida and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes 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.)
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Jacksonville utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill 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.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of installing a solar system, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied 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 best understand how the ITC might apply to you, contact your local Jacksonville solar panel installer and ask for more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, 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 decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to get in touch with your local Jacksonville solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. These incentives may be provided by the Florida government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Jacksonville

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the Florida government or the federal government. Your local Jacksonville solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Jacksonville, FL Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.

My home already has solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with the company that installed your system, or any local Jacksonville solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you might want to apply for.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Jacksonville.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Jacksonville solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't qualify for.

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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