2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Orland Park, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Orland Park.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Orland Park?
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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. The incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are handled by the federal government, some by the state of Illinois and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Typically, solar systems that produce over a threshold (normally small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically provided by your state government. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and generally the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Orland Park utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, labor and accessories — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Reaching out to your local Orland Park solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The program expansion 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. The easiest way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to speak with your local Orland Park solar panel company directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are more than just federal solar incentives; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the state and local level. These solar incentives — which might be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Illinois — may be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Orland Park
Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the Illinois government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Orland Park solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you should apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Orland Park, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Orland Park solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those offered by the government of Illinois, may have other requirements.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to approximately 9,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but usually yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Check with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Orland Park solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you will or won't 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.