2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Shawnee, KS - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Shawnee.
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 March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Shawnee?
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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are provided by the state of Kansas or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. These could be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before calculating tax credits.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Shawnee utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, equipment and accessories. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum claim amount.
To better understand how the ITC will apply to you, call your local Shawnee solar panel installer and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually 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.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Shawnee solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the local or state level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Kansas government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Shawnee
You can receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Kansas government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. Your local Shawnee solar panel installation company can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply 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 (coming 2022)
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
EcoWatch's Shawnee, KS Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I want to add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property 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 fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Shawnee.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 450 pounds yearly, or roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied could vary depending on which incentives you receive but in most cases yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Check with your solar installer or a local tax professional to be sure you are claiming all of the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.
Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to talk through your plan with your local Shawnee solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of 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.