2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Macon–Bibb County, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Macon–Bibb County.
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 Macon–Bibb County?
Biomass Sales and Use Tax Exemption
Georgia Power - Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Program
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
Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat Pumps: $250-$400
Water Heaters: $100-$150
New Home Rebates
Reimbursement of contribution-in-aid of construction (CIAC) for the first 100 feet of service
Heat Pump: $250
Water Heater: $250
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives that lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Various kinds of incentives, like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Georgia government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Macon–Bibb County utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To more fully understand how the ITC will apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Macon–Bibb County solar panel installation expert and request more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. After 2032, the percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, get in touch with your local Macon–Bibb County solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. Incentives might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Georgia. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Macon–Bibb County
The nationwide use of solar energy has significantly increased in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the federal government, the Georgia government or your local utility company. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, reaching out to your local Macon–Bibb County solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Macon–Bibb County, GA Solar Incentives FAQs
If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with the company that installed your solar system, or any local Macon–Bibb County solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you qualify for.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Macon–Bibb County's best solar panel companies.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to talk through your plan with your local Macon–Bibb County solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might not qualify for.
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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