2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Palatka, FL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Palatka.
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 Palatka?
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Florida PACE programs
Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
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
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Solar Thermal Loans
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Solar Water Heater Rebate Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. These incentives may include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the Florida government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Net Metering: Be sure to talk to your Palatka utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. 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 predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years 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, accessories and labor. 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 best understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Palatka solar panel installation expert and request more information.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032. At this point, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to speak with your local Palatka solar panel company directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. These local incentives may come from your county or municipality, or from the Florida government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Palatka
Solar incentives may come from your local utility company, the Florida government or the federal government. The growing number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Speak with your local solar panel installation company today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Palatka home.
EcoWatch's Palatka, FL Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
In most cases, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Florida government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Palatka solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that utilize solar energy, are there incentives I can claim?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.
What if I want to add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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