2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Dubuque, IA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Dubuque solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Dubuque?

Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of value added by renewable system

Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% of sales tax

Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal)

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
50% of Federal ITC (15% for 2019 and earlier, 13% for 2020, 11% for 2021, 5% for 2022, 0% for 2023 and later).

Local Option - Special Assessment of Wind Energy Devices

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Property valued at 0% of the net acquisition cost in the first assessment year, increasing annually by 5 percentage points to a maximum of 30% of the net acquisition cost in the 7th and succeeding years

Methane Gas Conversion Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption for 10 years

Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
20% of the Federal Tax Credit, equivalent to 6% of the system cost

Energy Replacement Generation Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Corporate Tax Exemption
100% exemption for self-generators, landfill gas and wind
Reduced rate for large hydro
Learn more:

Alliant Energy Interstate Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Advanced Power Strips: up to $20
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$800 for existing homes, $180-$480 for new homes
Appliance Recycling: up to $50
Central A/C: $150-$600 for existing homes, $90-$360 for new homes
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: Varies
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $300-$350 for existing homes, $180-$210 for new homes
Electric HVAC System Tune-Up: up to $50
Gas Furnace: $180 for existing homes, $80 for new homes
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,320-$1,750 for existing homes, $790-$1,050 for new homes
Learning Thermostat: $100 for existing homes, $60 for new homes
LED Light Bulbs: In-Store Rebates
Online Home Energy Assessment: FREE
Room Air Purifier: up to $30
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: up to $220

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 to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Various kinds of incentives, like cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Iowa government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Dubuque utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after 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 your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. An incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, accessories and labor — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Dubuque solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now receive 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 annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Dubuque solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Iowa. Some incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Dubuque

There are many kinds of solar incentives: those provided by the federal government, those provided by the Iowa government and those provided by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. It is a good idea to talk to your local Dubuque solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar system.

EcoWatch's Dubuque, IA Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Iowa government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Dubuque solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

If I already have a solar system installed on my house, can I still claim incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar panels — or reach out to a local Dubuque solar installer — to learn about 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. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on Dubuque's best solar panel companies.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Dubuque solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't 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.

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