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

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

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 Paoli solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Paoli?

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

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

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

Dubois REC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1500/unit
Air Source, Ductless Mini-split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump; New Construction or Replacing Gas, Existing AC or Heat Pump; Dual/Variable Speed Compressor: $750/Unit
Air Source, Ductless Mini-split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump; Replacing 100% Electric Resistance Heat; Single Speed Compressor: $800/Unit
Air Source, Ductless Mini-split, or Dual Fuel Heat Pump; Replacing 100% Electric Resistance Heat; Dual/Variable Speed Compressor: $1500
Appliance Recycling: $50/appliance Energy Management Savings Switch: up to $75 for participation
Lighting: varies by technology

Orange County REMC - Energy Efficient Equipment Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pumps: $750-$1,500
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $1,500
New Construction of a Water Heater: 100% of cost ($150 if purchased elsewhere)
Heat Pump/Hybrid Water Heaters: $500

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/


Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are provided by the Indiana government or by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar system. These may be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before calculating tax credits.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Paoli 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 others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

To more fully understand how the ITC could apply to you, get in touch with your local Paoli solar panel installer and request more information.

In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit for 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Paoli solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives may come from the Indiana government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Paoli

There are a number of different solar incentives: those offered by local utility companies, those offered by the federal government and those offered by the Indiana government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. We recommend talking to your local Paoli solar installer for more information about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Paoli, IN 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 Paoli solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the Indiana government, might have additional requirements.

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

Generally, Paoli homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $969.41 per year, or approximately $18,418.84 over 20 years after they make the switch.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called 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 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 solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, 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 getting the most money you can.

Can I use a combination of multiple types 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 plan with your local Paoli solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't 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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