2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Hattiesburg, MS - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Hattiesburg solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Hattiesburg?

Southern Pine Electric Power Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Comfort Advantage Plus Home: $500
Comfort Advantage Home: $300
Additional Heat Pump: $150/Unit
Additional Geothermal HVAC: $500/Unit

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
New Homes
Heat Pump: $400
Electric Water Heater: $150

Existing Homes
Heat Pump: $400
Gas to Electric Water Heater Conversion: $150

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/


The phrase "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage people to use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Different kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the Mississippi government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Hattiesburg utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may get refunded 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. A federal incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, equipment and accessories – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Reaching out to your local Hattiesburg solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022, and finished by December 31, 2032, may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. This percentage will then see a slight annual decrease until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Hattiesburg solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit 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 may be available at a more local level. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Mississippi. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hattiesburg

The variety of available solar incentives has enormously increased the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the federal government, the Mississippi government or from your local utility company. Contact your local solar panel installer today to discover more about the various programs and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Hattiesburg home.

EcoWatch's Hattiesburg, MS Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Hattiesburg solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those offered by the government of Mississippi, may have additional requirements.

If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

An excellent idea would be to talk to the company that installed your solar panels – or call a local Hattiesburg solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might 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%.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

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

If I trade in my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any incentives I can claim?

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

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