2024 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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted St. Augustine solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 St. Augustine?

Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive

Florida PACE programs

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Determined locally

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

JEA - Solar Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program

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/


Solar incentives are meant to help mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are intended to encourage more homeowners to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Solar incentives may include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the Florida government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your St. Augustine utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. These may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied 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

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed after January 1, 2006, on a property you own for you to claim the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the total amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Your local St. Augustine solar panel installer can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local St. Augustine solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

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

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 last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Florida government or from your local utility company. Call your local solar panel installation expert today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your St. Augustine home.

EcoWatch's St. Augustine, FL Solar Incentives FAQs

How do I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

Typically, 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 ones handled by the Florida government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local St. Augustine solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in St. Augustine annually?

When you add solar panels to your St. Augustine home, you can anticipate savings of approximately $1,081.91 per year, or approximately $20,556.33 over the next 20 years.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to St. Augustine's top solar panel companies.

If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there any benefits that I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives meant to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates 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, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local St. Augustine solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives 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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