2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Columbia City, IN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Columbia City.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Columbia City?
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Noble REMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Incentives
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
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
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
Northeastern REMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500 OR $100/ton (whichever is greater)
Air Source Heat Pump: $500
Water Heater: up to $400
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" covers a 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. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Indiana or your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Columbia City utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- 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.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a certain 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 in the United States that you own. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, accessories and equipment – although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To best understand how the ITC could apply to you, call your local Columbia City solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for 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 qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Columbia City solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed by the Indiana government, or by your county or municipality. Some are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Columbia City
You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the Indiana government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, calling your local Columbia City solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Columbia City, IN Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Columbia City?
Generally, homeowners in Columbia City who install solar panels save around $886.86 per year, or approximately $16,850.34 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Columbia City's top solar panel companies.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
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 on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
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.