2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Cunningham, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Cunningham 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 Cunningham?

Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Negotiated with procurement administrators

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 via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. You may qualify for several types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Illinois and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Cunningham utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of the solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that normally counts as part of your taxable income. In most cases, there is a small threshold of energy production to meet before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. These kinds of incentives are normally handled at the state level.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar system. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, 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 cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Your local Cunningham solar panel installer can give you more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Cunningham solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

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

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cunningham

Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Illinois government. If you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Cunningham solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

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EcoWatch's Cunningham, IL Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in Cunningham?

Once you add solar panels to your Cunningham home, you can expect to save approximately $731.85 per year, or approximately $13,905.08 over 20 years.

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Cunningham.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end 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 credits I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners for making 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 solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to talk through your plan with your local Cunningham solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that 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.

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