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

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

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 Lemay 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 Lemay?

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 designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the Missouri government or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives 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.)
  • 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 ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will 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. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to speak to your Lemay utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

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 you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a given percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can apply towards a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

To find out exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Lemay solar panel installation expert.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will be decreased slightly on a yearly basis until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to speak with your local Lemay solar panel installers directly.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives might be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Missouri. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Lemay

The large number of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the federal government, the Missouri government or from your local utility company. It is a good idea to talk to your local Lemay solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Lemay, MO Solar Incentives FAQs

I already have solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly 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. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your solar system, or any local Lemay solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you might want to apply for.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 13,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.

Can I use a combination of 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 solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your plan with your local Lemay solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not 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.

Follow us