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

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

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 Orange City solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Orange City?

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

Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$5,000

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" broadly refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are provided by the Florida government or your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Orange City utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might get refunded a percentage of the value.

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

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC was originally for 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 accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Your local Orange City solar panel installation expert can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. 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. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Orange City solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. These solar incentives — which might be given by the state of Florida, or by your county or municipality — might be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Orange City

You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the Florida government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Getting in touch with your local Orange City solar panel installation expert is the right first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Orange City, FL Solar Incentives FAQs

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

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Florida government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Orange City solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Orange City home?

Typically, homeowners in Orange City who install solar panels save approximately $1,125.11 per year, or approximately $21,377.11 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds annually, or roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

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

The new Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits 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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