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

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

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 Somerset solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated October 25, 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 Somerset?

Jackson Energy Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
SimpleSaver Program: $20/yr/air conditioner enrolled
CARES Program: Up to $2,000/household

South Kentucky RECC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Button Up (weatherization): Varies, contact energy advisor for details
Touchstone Energy Home: Varies, contact energy advisor for details
Resistant Heat to Heat Pump: $250-$750
Energy Audits: FREE
SimpleSaver: up to $20 in bill credits annually for each air conditioner enrolled

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 are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are intended to encourage more Americans to switch their home over to renewable energy. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are provided by the state of Kentucky or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk to your Somerset utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.

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

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. 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 amount you can claim.

To more fully understand how the ITC might apply to your situation, call your local Somerset solar panel installer and ask for more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. You can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until it expires. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to reach out to your local Somerset solar panel company with your questions.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Similar to federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives could come from the Kentucky government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Somerset

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Kentucky government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speaking with your local Somerset solar panel installation expert is the right first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Somerset, KY Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly 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 Somerset solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you might want to apply for.

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

When you add solar panels to your Somerset home, you can anticipate savings of around $833.09 per year, or around $15,828.73 over 20 years.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Somerset's top solar panel companies.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my home?

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

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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