2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Iowa, LA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Iowa.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Iowa?
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The phrase "solar incentives" covers a range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Louisiana, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Iowa utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
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Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, labor and equipment — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Iowa solar panel installation expert to get 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 has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After 2032, the percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the end of the program in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Iowa solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
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 might be available at a more local level. Incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Louisiana. Some incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Iowa
Solar incentives may come from your local utlity company, the Louisiana government or the federal government. The growing number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Call your local solar panel installation company today to learn more and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Iowa home.
EcoWatch's Iowa, LA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Iowa solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, 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, such as those given by the state of Louisiana, might have additional requirements.
I already have 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 your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Reaching out to the company that installed your system, or any local Iowa solar installer, can help you understand 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 house in Iowa?
After adding solar panels to your house in Iowa, you can anticipate savings of around $975.57 per year, or around $18,535.81 over the next 20 years.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To discover the best solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Iowa.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
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.