2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Ranlo, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Ranlo.
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 Ranlo?
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
Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of North Carolina or your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates can be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (usually small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically given at the state level. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Ranlo utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
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, you probably think of federal incentives first. You might have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
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, labor, accessories and equipment — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To more fully understand how the ITC will apply to your situation, speak to your local Ranlo solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Ranlo solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. These incentives might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the North Carolina government. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Ranlo
You can qualify for solar incentives from the federal government and the North Carolina government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. When you're ready to make the change to solar energy, calling your local Ranlo solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Ranlo, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Ranlo solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of North Carolina, might have additional requirements.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Ranlo?
Generally, Ranlo homeowners who install solar panels save about $970.66 per year, or about $18,442.58 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on Ranlo's top solar panel companies.
If I change out my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use both solar and another type 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. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Ranlo solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might 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.