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

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

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 Fort Dodge solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Fort Dodge?

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:

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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Iowa, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Fort Dodge utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may make back a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking 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 applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all installation costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the total amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Your local Fort Dodge solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. After 2032, the percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local Fort Dodge solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Solar incentives might be provided by the Iowa government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fort Dodge

The large number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Iowa government. Your local Fort Dodge solar panel installer can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's Fort Dodge, IA Solar Incentives FAQs

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?

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

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to the company that installed your system — or speak to a local Fort Dodge 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 recently 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%.

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Fort Dodge?

When you add solar panels to your Fort Dodge home, you can expect to save about $875.57 per year, or about $16,635.89 over the next 20 years.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To discover the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Fort Dodge.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?

With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

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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