2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Norfolk, MA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Norfolk.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Norfolk?
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit
Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption
Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal)
Cape Light Compact- Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125
Electric Clothes Dryers: $50
Clothes Washer: $350
Dehumidifiers: $30
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Room Air Conditioner: $40
Heating & Cooling
Oil Heating System: Up to $800
Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300
Oil Water Heater: Up to $400
Propane Water Heater: Up to $800
Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600
Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25
WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100
Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500
Home Electronics
Advanced Power Strips: Varies
Home Insulation
Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75%
Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100%
Enhanced Residential Program: 100%
Lighting
LEDs: Varies
Home Energy Assessment: Free
Mass Save - HEAT Loan Program
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
Mass Solar Loan Program
Residential and Small-Scale Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Program
Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs
Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program
Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750
Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750
Low-Income Residential:
Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250
Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250
Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Different types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Massachusetts, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives may be available to you if the solar system on your home produces more than a specified (usually small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are normally handled at the state level. You can sell the SRECs you receive to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Norfolk utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment 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. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, talk to your local Norfolk solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. Homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Norfolk solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Like with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Massachusetts government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Norfolk
The large number of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Massachusetts government. When you're ready to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Norfolk solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Norfolk, MA Solar Incentives FAQs
How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Norfolk annually?
Once you add solar panels to your home in Norfolk, you can anticipate savings of about $1,180.12 per year, or approximately $22,422.25 over 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Norfolk.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
You can reduce your carbon footprint by 200 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to around 4,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied may vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but usually yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm you are claiming all the incentives you're eligible for and applying them in the correct order.
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.
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.