2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fort Thomas, KY - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Fort Thomas solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Fort Thomas?

Duke Energy - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350/unit
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: up to $400/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/unit
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300/unit
Attic Insulation and Attic Air Sealing: $250/unit
Duct Sealing: $100/unit
Duct Insulation: $75/unit

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/


The term "solar incentives" refers to a wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Various types of incentives, like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be offered by the state of Kentucky, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Fort Thomas utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a set percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies towards 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, accessories and equipment. This credit can be claimed on solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Fort Thomas solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will then decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Fort Thomas solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the Kentucky government. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fort Thomas

Solar incentives can be provided by the Kentucky government, the federal government or your local utility company. The growing number of solar incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Your local Fort Thomas solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you should apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Fort Thomas, KY Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Fort Thomas solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided by the Kentucky government, may have other requirements.

How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Fort Thomas annually?

After adding solar panels to your home in Fort Thomas, you can anticipate savings of approximately $655.05 per year, or approximately $12,445.95 over 20 years.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To learn about the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Fort Thomas.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?

Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 400 pounds a year, or around 8,000 pounds over 20 years.

Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.

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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