2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fort Riley, KS - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Fort Riley.
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 May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Fort Riley?
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
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. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are provided by the state of Kansas or your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Fort Riley utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar companies may 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. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. An incentive that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, accessories and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Fort Riley solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to talk with your local Fort Riley solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be given by the Kansas government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fort Riley
You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Kansas government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. Your local Fort Riley solar panel installation expert can give you more information about which incentives you might qualify 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fort Riley, KS Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.
My home already has solar panels. Does my system 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 might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Fort Riley solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my Fort Riley home?
When you add solar panels to your Fort Riley home, you can expect to save about $1,079.78 per year, or about $20,515.83 over the next 20 years.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Fort Riley.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can reduce your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 a year when you install solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
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.