2025 Solar Incentives Guide for St. Augustine, FL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in St. Augustine.
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 St. Augustine?
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Florida PACE programs
JEA - Solar Incentive Program
Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are meant to help mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more homeowners to switch to renewable energy. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are provided by the Florida government or your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- 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: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your St. Augustine utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month 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.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds 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.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, equipment and accessories. You can claim this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To better understand how the ITC will apply to your situation, contact your local St. Augustine solar panel installation expert and request more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then see a slight annual decrease until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to get in touch with your local St. Augustine solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Incentives might be provided by the Florida government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in St. Augustine
The large number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the Florida government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speaking with your local St. Augustine solar panel installation expert is the best first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's St. Augustine, FL Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local St. Augustine solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those given by the state of Florida, might have additional requirements.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in St. Augustine annually?
After adding solar panels to your home in St. Augustine, you can expect to save about $1,081.91 per year, or about $20,556.33 over 20 years.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the best solar companies in St. Augustine.
If I switch my appliances out for ones that use solar energy, are there any benefits I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ 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 backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local St. Augustine solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you might or might not qualify for.
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