2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Hope Mills, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Hope Mills.
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 Hope Mills solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Hope Mills?
Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC
Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value
Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption
EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit
NC GreenPower Production Incentive
PV larger than 5 kW: must enter bid process
Wind up to 10 kW: $0.09/kWh
Wind larger than 10 kW: must enter bid process
Local Option - Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Local Option - Green Building Incentives
Duke Energy Progress - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Pool Pump: $300
Lumbee River EMC - Residential Weatherization Loan Program
Air-source heat pump - $8,000
Thermal windows and doors - $4,000
Storm windows and doors - $2,000
Insulation (floors, ceilings & walls) - $2,000
Installation/sealing of ducts - $2,000
Attic ventilation fans - $500
Foundation vents - $500
Solar water heater - $7,000
Heat pump water heater - $7,000
Marathon water heater - $2,000
Efficient steel water heater - $500
Four-County EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Clothes Washer: $50/unit
Clothes Dryer: $50/unit
Dishwasher: $50/unit
Refrigerator: $50/unit
Freezer: $50/unit
Heat Pump (16 SEER or higher): $100/ton
Solar Water Heater: $1,000/unit
Lumbee River EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Duct sealing/replacement: $50
Insulation: $100
HERO Home: $200
Central A/C: $15 or 5.90% interest rate for a loan
Heat Pump: $60 or 5.80% interest rate for a loan
Geothermal Heat Pump: $250 or 5.60% interest rate for a loan
South River EMC - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
South River EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
ENERGY STAR Appliances: $10/appliance
Heat Pump Water Heater: $200
Solar Water Heater: $150
Air Sealing: $75 (Single Family Homes); $100 - $200 (Manufactured Homes)
Attic Insulation: $75
Duct Sealing: $100 - $200
Roof Insulation: $100 - $200
Floor Insulation: $100 - $200
3rd Party Weatherization: $200
Air Source Heat Pump: $200/unit
Electric Furnace: $400 - $500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $250
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $200 - $400
HERO Homes: $200 - $600
Smart Thermostat: $20
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are provided by the North Carolina government or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives might be available to you if the solar system on your home produces more than a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are usually handled at the state level. You can sell the SRECs you receive to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of 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 added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- 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 Hope Mills utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, labor and equipment — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Speaking with your local Hope Mills solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.
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. Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 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 percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Hope Mills solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Solar incentives might be provided by the North Carolina government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hope Mills
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up tremendously in the past 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the North Carolina government. Talking to your local Hope Mills solar panel installer is a great first step towards making sure you get 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)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hope Mills, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Hope Mills solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of North Carolina, may have other requirements.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Hope Mills annually?
Once you add solar panels to your Hope Mills home, you can expect to save approximately $958.90 per year, or approximately $18,219.11 over the next 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Hope Mills' top solar panel companies.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 300 pounds a year, or around 6,000 pounds over 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends 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.