2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Winter Park, FL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Winter Park.
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 Winter Park?
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property
Non-Residential: 80% of the added value
Florida PACE programs
Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Orlando Utilities Commission - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Energy Star Windows: $1.50 per sq. ft.
Ceiling Insulation Upgrade: $0.10 per sq. ft.
Heat Pump: $90-$1,630 per unit
Duct Repair/Replacement: 100% of cost up to $100
A/C Proper Sizing w/ R-30 Attic Insulation: $90
Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater: 100% of cost up to $500
Solar Thermal Water Heater: 100% of cost, up to $900
Solar PV System Battery: $2,000
Orlando Utilities Commission - Solar Programs
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are meant to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. You may qualify for different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Florida government and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Winter Park 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 can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. One of the incentives many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed on solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim 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.
Contacting your local Winter Park solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to your situation.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Winter Park solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. The incentives — which may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Florida — could be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Winter Park
The variety of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the Florida government or the federal government. Speaking with your local Winter Park solar panel installer is an excellent first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Winter Park, FL Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Winter Park solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Florida government, might have other requirements.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Winter Park annually?
Generally, homeowners in Winter Park who install solar panels save approximately $1,117.05 per year, or approximately $21,223.90 over 20 years after making the switch.
If I change out my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there credits that I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize 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 non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Winter Park solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of 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.