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

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

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 Park Forest solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Park Forest?

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 meant to encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the state of Illinois or your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are usually handled at the state level. Once your solar system meets a certain threshold (normally a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive from the sale is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk to your Park Forest 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 could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. 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 given percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years 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 applies 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.

Talking to your local Park Forest solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC may apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. At this point, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local Park Forest solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Illinois government. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Park Forest

You can apply for solar incentives from the Illinois government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Your local Park Forest solar panel installation company can provide you with more details about which incentives you should apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Park Forest, IL Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

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

How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Park Forest solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a 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, might have other requirements.

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar panels — or get in touch with a local Park Forest solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in Park Forest?

Once you add solar panels to your house in Park Forest, you can expect to save around $703.99 per year, or around $13,375.89 over the next 20 years.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Park Forest's best solar panel companies.

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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