2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Springfield, MO - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Springfield.
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 March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Springfield?
Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
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
Ameren Missouri (Electric) - Residential Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
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
White River Valley Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Electric Water Heater: $50
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost
Window AC: $50
Ground Source Heat Pump (New Installation): $750/ton
Ground Source Heat Pump (Replacement) : $150/ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $150/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Basement/Crawl Space/Slab Insulation: 50% of cost
Commercial
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost
Ground Source Heat Pump (New Installation): $750/ton
Ground Source Heat Pump (Replacement) : $150/ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Air Source Heat Pump: $150/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Commercial/Industrial Variable Frequency Drive for HVAC: $50/HP
Southwest Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Ground-Source/Geothermal Heat Pump (Replacement Units): $200/ton
Floor insulation with installation of a geothermal heat pump: 50% of cost, up to $500
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Mini Split Heat Pump: $150/ton
VFD for HVAC: $50/HP, up to 50% of total unit cost
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost, up to $500
Programmable Timer for Engine Block Heater: $15/timer, up to 50% of total unit cost
Commercial High Efficiency Motor: 50% of total cost
Windows/Room AC: $50
Energy Audit: 50% of cost, up to $500
City Utilities of Springfield - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
**Between Dec 15, 2018 and Mar 31, 2019: Insulation Upgrade: 30% of cost up to $400**
Programmable Thermostat: $15
Wi-Fi Thermostat: 50% of cost, up to $75
High Efficiency Toilet: 50% of cost, up to $75
Central A/C: $500
Natural Gas Furnace: $400
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,025
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Missouri and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates can be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Springfield utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all installation costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the covered amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Springfield solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032 can qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, reach out to your local Springfield solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Missouri government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Springfield
The expanding number of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Missouri government or from your local utility company. Getting in touch with your local Springfield solar panel installation company is the best first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
EcoWatch's Springfield, MO Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in Springfield?
After adding solar panels to your Springfield home, you can expect to save around $874.97 per year, or around $16,624.52 over the next 20 years.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on Springfield's top solar panel companies.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to approximately 14,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Springfield solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that 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.