2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Elizabethtown, KY - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Elizabethtown.
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 Elizabethtown?
Nolin RECC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Air Sealing/Ceiling Insulation: Up to $750
SimpleSaver Program: $20/yr/air conditioner enrolled
ENERGY STAR Manufactured Home: Varies, contact utility for more information
CARES Program: Up to $2,000/household
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are meant to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Various types of incentives, like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the state of Kentucky, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
- Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Elizabethtown utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when you're calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, labor and accessories. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
To best understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, reach out to your local Elizabethtown solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After this, the credit percentage will decrease slightly each year until the program expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Elizabethtown solar panel installation expert.
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 may be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. These incentives might be provided by the Kentucky government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Elizabethtown
Solar incentives may be provided by the federal government, the Kentucky government or your local utility company. The variety of solar incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Getting in touch with your local Elizabethtown solar panel installation company is the right first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
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
EcoWatch's Elizabethtown, KY Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
Generally, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Kentucky government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Elizabethtown solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.
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. Reaching out to the company that installed your system, or any local Elizabethtown solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Elizabethtown.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 400 pounds a year, or roughly 8,000 pounds over 20 years.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Elizabethtown solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives 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.