2023 Solar Incentives Guide for East Alton, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in East Alton.
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 East Alton?
Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" includes a wide 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 might be eligible for various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Illinois government and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Typically, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (usually small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically offered by your state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
- Net Metering: Don't forget to speak to your East Alton utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
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 likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. An incentive that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
To better understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, contact your local East Alton solar panel installation expert and request more information.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local East Alton 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 might be claimed at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Illinois government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in East Alton
The variety of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the Illinois government or from your local utility company. Your local East Alton solar panel installation expert can help you learn more about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's East Alton, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to East Alton's top solar panel companies.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 a year by installing solar panels. This adds up to around 13,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as 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.
If I switch my appliances out for ones that utilize solar energy, are there any incentives I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these 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 power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you go over your plan with your local East Alton solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't 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.