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

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

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 Hazel Crest 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Hazel Crest?

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 mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. This category of financial incentives is in place to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You might qualify for several types 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 state of Illinois and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Hazel Crest utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives may be available to you if you have a solar system that produces over a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are typically handled at the state level. You can sell any SRECs you have to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is generally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, although that number has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation 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 systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Hazel Crest solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. American homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. This new credit will then see a slight annual decrease until it expires. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Hazel Crest solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be given by the Illinois government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hazel Crest

Solar incentives can be offered by the Illinois government, the federal government or your local utility company. The growing number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Contact your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Hazel Crest home.

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 Hazel Crest, IL Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

Typically, solar incentives apply to:

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

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Illinois government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Hazel Crest solar installer to discover what incentives your project will qualify for.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

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

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

If I change out my appliances for ones that utilize solar energy, are there credits that I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces multiple incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

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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