2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Blackfoot, ID - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Blackfoot.
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.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Blackfoot?
Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs
All others: $100,000
Idaho Falls Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Air Source Heat Pump Conversion with Duct Sealing: contact IFP
Ground Source Heat Pump: $2,700-$3,150
Ductless Heat Pump: $720
Water Heater: $270-$450
Insulation (Attic, Floor, Wall): Varies, see program website for details
Windows: Varies, see program website for details
Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction
Rocky Mountain Power - wattsmart Residential Efficiency Program
Electronically Commutated Motors: Up to $100
Evaporative Coolers: Up to $200
Heat Pumps: up to $750
Ground Source Heat Pumps: up to $2,500
Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100
Room Air Conditioners: Up to $20
Smart Thermostats: $50
Whole House Ventilation Fans: up to $125
Manufactured Homes Duct Sealing: Free service available
Manufactured Homes Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $1,300
Lighting: Special pricing at certain retailers
Heat Pump Water Heaters: up to $550
Insulation: Up to $0.10/sq.ft
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives designed to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Idaho or your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Blackfoot utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
- 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.)
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind 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 is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
Talking to your local Blackfoot solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC could apply to you.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will then decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to talk with your local Blackfoot solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives may be provided by the Idaho government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Blackfoot
Solar incentives can come from your local utlity company, the Idaho government or the federal government. The growing number of available incentives has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Your local Blackfoot solar panel installer can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Blackfoot, ID Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I am planning to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Blackfoot.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives designed to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Blackfoot solar panel installer, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what incentives you may or may not 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.