2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Brunswick, ME - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Brunswick.
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 Brunswick?
Solar and Wind Energy Property Tax Exemption
Efficiency Maine - Home Energy Loans
Efficiency Maine Residential Home Energy Savings Program
Air Sealing (6 hrs): $400
Insulation: 30% of project costs, up to $1,000 per zone
Air-Source Heat Pumps: $500 for single or first zone heating; an additional $250 is available for second zone heating
Biomass Boilers and Furnaces: One third of the installation cost up to $6,000
See rebate application for full list of rebate bonuses
Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. You might be eligible for different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Maine government and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Brunswick 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 locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
Best Technology
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- Price-match guarantee
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- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Brunswick solar panel installer.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Brunswick solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. These incentives might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Maine government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Brunswick
Solar incentives might be provided by the Maine government, the federal government or your local utility company. The variety of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Speaking with your local Brunswick solar panel installation company is the right first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Brunswick, ME Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Brunswick solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the Maine government, may have other requirements.
My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to the company that installed your solar panels — or call a local Brunswick solar installer — to better understand which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 200 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to approximately 4,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss your plan with your local Brunswick solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what incentives you will or won't 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.