2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Union City, GA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Union City.
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 Union City?
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
Coweta-Fayette EMC - SmartChoice Home Program
Programmable Thermostat: $50
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Solar Water Heater: $250
Coweta-Fayette EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: $100/unit
Heat Pump/Air Conditioner Replacement: $100/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater/Solar Water Heater: $250
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. The incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Georgia and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates can be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value that your solar panels add when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Union City utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
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 thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, equipment and accessories – although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To best understand how the ITC will apply to you, contact your local Union City solar panel installer and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will be decreased slightly each year until the current program ends. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, reach out to your local Union City solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives might come from the Georgia government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Union City
You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the Georgia government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Your local Union City solar panel installer can give you more information about which incentives you should apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Union City, GA Solar Incentives FAQs
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Union City's best solar panel companies.
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. Solar panels can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds a year, or around 9,000 pounds in 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.
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.