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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted East Alton 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 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/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are in place to encourage more people to make the switch to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the state of Illinois, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs are credits that can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that typically becomes part of your taxable income. Typically, there is a small threshold of energy production to meet before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. Incentives like these are typically 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.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your East Alton utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. A federal incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To best understand how the ITC could apply to you, contact your local East Alton solar panel installer and ask for more information.
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 new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain 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 installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives could come from the Illinois government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in East Alton
Solar incentives may be offered by the Illinois government, the federal government or your local utility company. The growing number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local East Alton solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
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 East Alton, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar system — or reach out to a local East Alton solar installer — to learn about which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in East Alton?
Once you add solar panels to your home in East Alton, you can expect to save around $744.54 per year, or around $14,146.27 over the next 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in East Alton.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to around 13,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.
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.