2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Chicago Ridge, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Chicago Ridge.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Chicago Ridge?
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 put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. You may be eligible for various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Illinois and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Chicago Ridge utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce over a specific (generally small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically offered by your state government. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, equipment and accessories. 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.
To more fully understand how the ITC might apply to you, get in touch with your local Chicago Ridge solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After 2032, the percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the program expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Chicago Ridge solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more are often offered at the local or state level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. They may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Illinois government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Chicago Ridge
There are many kinds of solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the federal government and those given by the Illinois government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. It is a good idea to talk to your local Chicago Ridge solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar panels.
EcoWatch's Chicago Ridge, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Illinois government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Chicago Ridge solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my Chicago Ridge home?
When you add solar panels to your home in Chicago Ridge, you can anticipate savings of about $707.72 per year, or about $13,446.62 over 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on Chicago Ridge's best solar panel companies.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local Chicago Ridge solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you might or might 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.