2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Carpentersville, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Carpentersville.
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 Carpentersville solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Carpentersville?
Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems
ComEd - Energy Efficiency Program for Residential
Air Purifier: $50
Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $50
Electric Clothes Dryer: $50
Freezer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: Free pickup and $50, plus an additional $10 if recycling a room A/C at the same time
Heating & Cooling
Air Source Heat Pump: $400 - $600
Central A/C: $300 - $600
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $400
Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $6,000/home
Furnace Blower Motor (ECM): $50 - $100
Miscellaneous
Advanced Power Strip: $10
Air Sealing: Up to $400/home
Attic Insulation: Up to $300/home
Duct Sealing: Up to $500/home
Lighting: In-store discounts, varies
Pool Pump: $275
Smart Thermostat: $100
Wall Insulation: Up to $400/home
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" covers a range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Various kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the state of Illinois, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. This category of incentives is normally handled by the state government. You can sell any SRECs you have to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- 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 Carpentersville utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC is applied to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. 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.
Speaking with your local Carpentersville solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to you.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will then decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Carpentersville solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
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. Incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Illinois. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Carpentersville
Solar incentives can come from your local utility company, the federal government or the Illinois government. The variety of solar incentives available has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Call your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Carpentersville home.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Carpentersville, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many 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 specifics.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Carpentersville.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds annually, or roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can get?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.
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.