2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Hinesville, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Hinesville 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 Hinesville?

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/


The phrase "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the state of Georgia or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar system. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The discount that rebates offer is normally applied to the price of solar panels before calculating tax credits.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Hinesville utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.

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

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, equipment, labor and accessories – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

To more fully understand how the ITC may apply to you, call your local Hinesville solar panel installer and request more information.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Hinesville solar panel company with your questions.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Georgia. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hinesville

The expanding number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Georgia government, the federal government or your local utility company. If you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, reaching out to your local Hinesville solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.

EcoWatch's Hinesville, GA Solar Incentives FAQs

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Hinesville?

Typically, Hinesville homeowners who install solar panels save around $1,207.95 per year, or around $22,951.11 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 500 pounds annually, or roughly 10,000 pounds over 20 years.

I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits 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 on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

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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