2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Westbrook, ME - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Westbrook.
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 October 25, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Westbrook?
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/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives designed to encourage the use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Maine, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Westbrook utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may 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 exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered 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.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. 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.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Westbrook solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until it expires. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Westbrook 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
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. Incentives might be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Maine. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Westbrook
You can apply for solar incentives from the Maine government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Speaking with your local Westbrook solar panel installation expert is a great first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Westbrook, ME Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.
How do I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those given out by the Maine government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Westbrook solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Reaching out to the company that installed your solar system, or any local Westbrook solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or 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.