2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Gary, IN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Gary.
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 Gary?
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
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" covers a wide range of financial incentives implemented 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 different kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Indiana and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: Some solar companies will 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 the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Gary utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. A federal incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to claim the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all system costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the total amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Gary solar panel installer to get more information.
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. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. This percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Gary solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives may be provided by the Indiana government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Gary
Solar energy use nationwide has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the federal government, the Indiana government or your local utility company. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Gary home.
EcoWatch's Gary, IN Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Gary solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Indiana government, might have additional requirements.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Gary annually?
Typically, homeowners in Gary who install solar panels save about $1,069.78 per year, or around $20,325.79 over 20 years after they make the switch.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives 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.
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.