2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Spring Lake, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Spring Lake.
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 Spring Lake solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Spring Lake?
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
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" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. The incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of North Carolina and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Spring Lake 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 is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives may be available to you if the solar system on your home produces more than a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are typically handled at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is typically considered part of your taxable income.
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to a solar system 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 be eligible for the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although the covered amount has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Your local Spring Lake solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032 might qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program 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 Spring Lake solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Solar incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the North Carolina government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Spring Lake
You can receive 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 solar adoption nationwide. It is a good idea to talk to your local Spring Lake solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.
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 Spring Lake, NC Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Spring Lake solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, 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, such as those offered by the government of North Carolina, may have additional requirements.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my Spring Lake home?
When you add solar panels to your house in Spring Lake, you can expect to save around $953.61 per year, or around $18,118.68 over the next 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Spring Lake solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you may or may 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.