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

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

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 Geneva 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 Geneva?

Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies

ComEd - Energy Efficiency Program for Residential

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances
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

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 designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the Illinois government or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually come off your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Geneva utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: These might 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 could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs are credits that can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that normally counts as part of your taxable income. Generally, a certain (small) threshold of energy production must be met before your solar system can earn SRECs or other performance-based incentives. These kinds of incentives are generally handled by your state government.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. A federal incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to claim the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all installation costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the covered amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Geneva solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

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

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Illinois. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Geneva

Solar incentives may be offered by your local utlity company, the Illinois government or the federal government. The growing number of available solar incentives has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. If you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, talking to your local Geneva solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Geneva, IL Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

How do I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Illinois government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Geneva solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Geneva annually?

Once you add solar panels to your home in Geneva, you can anticipate savings of about $867.83 per year, or about $16,488.86 over 20 years.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?

The new Inflation Reduction Act provides multiple incentives designed to reward homeowners who make 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 a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy 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. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Geneva solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you may or may 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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