2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Harvey, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Harvey.
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 Harvey solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated January 20, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Harvey?
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/
Solar incentives are meant to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the state of Illinois, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Harvey utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is 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 calculating property tax for your house.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives might be available to you if you have a solar system that produces over a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. This category of incentives is generally handled by the state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is typically considered part of your taxable income.
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of installing solar panels, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years 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 accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Harvey solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. This new credit will then decrease annually until it expires. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Harvey solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives might be offered by the Illinois government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Harvey
You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the Illinois government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Harvey 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 Harvey, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Harvey solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the Illinois government, might have additional requirements.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Harvey solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you qualify for.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Harvey.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
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 go over your plan with your local Harvey solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of 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.