2024 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 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 Hope Mills solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 phrase "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. Various kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the state of North Carolina, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Hope Mills utility company, the company 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 areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives might be available to you if the solar system on your home produces over a specified (usually small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are generally handled at the state level. You can sell the SRECs you receive to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. A federal incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, accessories, equipment and labor – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Hope Mills solar panel installer.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Hope Mills solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of North Carolina. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hope Mills
Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the North Carolina government. Contact your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Hope Mills home.
EcoWatch's Hope Mills, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Hope Mills?
On average, Hope Mills homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $958.90 per year, or about $18,219.11 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 300 pounds annually, or roughly 6,000 pounds in 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money possible.
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.