2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Knightdale, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Knightdale.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Knightdale?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more people to make the switch to renewable energy. Various kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the North Carolina government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Knightdale utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (normally small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically given by your state government. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
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
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, accessories, equipment and labor), although the covered amount has fluctuated slightly over time 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.
Your local Knightdale solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. Under the new program, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit 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 claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Knightdale solar panel installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are more than just federal solar incentives; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the local or state level. Incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of North Carolina. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Knightdale
You can qualify for solar incentives from the North Carolina government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Your local Knightdale solar panel installation company can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Knightdale, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully 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 Knightdale?
Generally, homeowners in Knightdale who install solar panels save approximately $928.84 per year, or approximately $17,648.05 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year when you install solar panels. This adds up to around 6,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces multiple incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I receive incentives both towards the initial 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 precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
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.