2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Carmel, IN - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Carmel 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

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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 Carmel?

Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system

NineStar Connect - Residential Energy Efficient Equipment Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Pool Pumps: $250/unit
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400/unit
Air-Source Heat Pumps: $250 - $1,500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $1,500/unit

Noble REMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Incentives

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$750
Ground Source Heat Pump: $1500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400

Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website

NIPSCO - Feed-In Tariff

Incentive Type:
Feed-in Tariff
Wind 3 - 10 kW: $0.23 - $0.25/kWh
Wind 10 kW-200 kW: $0.15 - $0.138/kWh
Solar 5 kW - 10 kW: $0.17 - $0.1564/kWh
Solar 10 - 200 kW: $0.15/kWh - $0.138/kWh
Biomass 100kW - 1 MW: $0.0918/kWh

Duke Energy - Residential and Builder Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
HVAC Install (Heat Pumps, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Central Air Conditioners): $300 - $400/unit with additional $125 if installed along with a smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250/unit
Duct Sealing: $100/unit
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $300

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/


The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You might qualify for various types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Indiana government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from the total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay.
  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Carmel utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. A federal incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied 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, accessories, equipment and labor — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Contacting your local Carmel solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC may apply to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. This new credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Carmel solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local solar incentives may come from your county or municipality, or from the Indiana government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Carmel

Solar energy use nationwide has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the proliferation of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the Indiana government, the federal government or your local utility company. Getting in touch with your local Carmel solar panel installation expert is a great first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Carmel, IN Solar Incentives FAQs

My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with the company that installed your solar system, or any local Carmel solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Carmel?

Typically, Carmel homeowners who install solar panels save about $861.31 per year, or about $16,364.92 over 20 years after making the switch.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now titled 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 apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order your incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but typically yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Check with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.

Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to discuss your ideas with your local Carmel solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that 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.

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