2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Cordele, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Cordele solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Cordele?

Biomass Sales and Use Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Georgia Power - Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Single Family
Central AC Replacement: $50
Air/Duct Sealing: $300
Attic Insulation: $250
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $150
Smart Thermostat: $75
Heat Pump conversion: $250

Multifamily
Central AC Replacement: $25
Air/Duct Sealing: $150
Attic Insulation: $125
Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Home Energy Assessment: $75
Smart Thermostat: $38
Heat Pump conversion: $125

Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Home Plus Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

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 encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You might be eligible for various kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Georgia government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Cordele utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to ignore the value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. An incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Cordele solar panel installer to get more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. This percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to speak with your local Cordele solar panel company directly.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be given out by your county or municipality, or by the Georgia government. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cordele

Solar incentives may be offered by the Georgia government, the federal government or your local utility company. The growing number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. When you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Cordele solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

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

EcoWatch's Cordele, GA Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Cordele solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the Georgia government, might have other requirements.

I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?

An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar system — or reach out to a local Cordele solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To discover the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Cordele.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

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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