2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Rock Falls, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Rock Falls.
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 May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Rock Falls?
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/
The term "solar incentives" includes a wide range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. You may be eligible for several types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Illinois government and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets the threshold (usually a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive from the sale is usually 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.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Rock Falls utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Speaking with your local Rock Falls solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to you.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, talk to your local Rock Falls solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Illinois. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Rock Falls
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the Illinois government, the federal government or your local utility company. It is a good idea to talk to your local Rock Falls solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Rock Falls, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Rock Falls solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the Illinois government, might have other requirements.
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar system — or speak to a local Rock Falls solar installer — to better understand which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Rock Falls?
Once you add solar panels to your Rock Falls home, you can expect to save about $698.57 per year, or about $13,272.90 over the next 20 years.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
You can lower 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. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local Rock Falls solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you might or might 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.