2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Lisle, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Lisle.
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 October 25, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Lisle?
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 designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Illinois or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (usually small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and performance-based incentives in general are typically provided by your state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Lisle utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, equipment and accessories – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Lisle solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Lisle solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. These incentives may be given by the Illinois government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Lisle
There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the Illinois government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy use has increased enormously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. We recommend talking to your local Lisle solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar panels.
EcoWatch's Lisle, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
How do I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Lisle solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of Illinois, might have other requirements.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Lisle.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can apply for?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces multiple incentives meant to 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.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.
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.