2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Rock Island, IL - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Rock Island.
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 March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Rock Island?
Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
MidAmerican Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Refrigerator or Freezer: $50
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $150 - $350
Central Air Conditioners: $50 - $300
Ductless Minisplit A/C: $50 - $300
Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump: $150 - $350
Furnace Fan: $50
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200 - $2,400, depending on EER and COP
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300
Natural Gas Furnace: $300/unit
Programmable Thermostat: $25
Room Air Conditioners: $35
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Solar incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the Illinois government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that normally counts as part of your taxable income. In most cases, there is a small threshold of energy production to meet before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are generally handled at the state level.
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Rock Island utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of 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, equipment, accessories and labor — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Rock Island solar panel installer.
The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. 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. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, speak with your local Rock Island solar installation expert.
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. Incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Illinois. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Rock Island
The variety of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the Illinois government or from your local utility company. Your local Rock Island solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Rock Island, IL Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 450 pounds annually, or around 9,000 pounds over 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I use a combination of multiple types 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 geothermal and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local Rock Island solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you may or may 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.