2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Arnold, MO - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Arnold solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Arnold?

Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website

Empire District Electric - Solar PV Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.25 per watt for systems operational between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023

Solar Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Ameren Missouri (Electric) - Residential Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500-$900
Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300-$500
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $175-$200
Ground Source Heat Pump: $800-$2,000
Central Air Conditioner: $300-$500
Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM): $50-$100
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $75

Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Financing contracts limited to 20 years or less; improvements must display a positive economic benefit over the life of the contract.

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 intended to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Solar incentives may include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are handled by the federal government, some by the state of Missouri and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Arnold utility company, they 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 others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the total amount has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Reaching out to your local Arnold solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC could apply to your situation.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Arnold 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

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Missouri government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Arnold

Solar energy use nationwide has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the Missouri government or the federal government. It is a good idea to talk to your local Arnold solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Arnold, MO Solar Incentives FAQs

If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your system — or call a local Arnold solar installer — to better understand which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Arnold annually?

After adding solar panels to your home in Arnold, you can anticipate savings of approximately $863.07 per year, or approximately $16,398.33 over 20 years.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Arnold.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

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.

Follow us