2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Winter Garden, FL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Winter Garden.
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.
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Updated September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Winter Garden?
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Florida PACE programs
Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. The incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Florida and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Winter Garden utility company, that 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 monthly utility bill.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. These could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The discount that rebates offer is normally applied to the price of solar panels before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore 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.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
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- Excellent reputation
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Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Speaking with your local Winter Garden solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC may apply to you.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Now, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022 and finished by December 31, 2032 may be eligible 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. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, speak with your local Winter Garden solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Florida government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Winter Garden
The nationwide use of solar energy has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from the Florida government, the federal government or your local utility company. We recommend talking to your local Winter Garden solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.
EcoWatch's Winter Garden, FL Solar Incentives FAQs
My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar system — or get in touch with a local Winter Garden solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might 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. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Winter Garden.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds yearly, or around 9,000 pounds over 20 years.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
Under 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 about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to go over your plan with your local Winter Garden solar installation expert. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you might or might 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.