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

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

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 Palm Valley 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 Palm Valley?

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

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 designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are designed to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may qualify for different kinds 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 Florida government and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Palm Valley utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Solar companies may 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.

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

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. A federal incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, accessories and equipment. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Contacting your local Palm Valley solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Palm Valley solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more may be offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives may come from the Florida government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Palm Valley

You can apply for and receive 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. We suggest talking to your local Palm Valley solar installer for more information about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Palm Valley, FL Solar Incentives FAQs

If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?

You should plan to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels — or reach out to a local Palm Valley solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may 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 will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Palm Valley annually?

On average, homeowners in Palm Valley who install solar panels save approximately $1,097.64 per year, or approximately $20,855.10 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Palm Valley.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on 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 use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Palm Valley solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not 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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