2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Statesville, NC - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Statesville.

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 Statesville solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Statesville?

Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential: $0.60/W-AC
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC

Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value

Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
No more than conventional equipment

EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit

Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
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

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Varies by technology and system size
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

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

Local Option - Green Building Incentives

Incentive Type:
Green Building Incentive
Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Different types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be offered by the North Carolina government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Don't forget to speak with your Statesville utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Typically, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (normally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and performance-based incentives in general are typically given at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. These are different from tax deductions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Statesville solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. This percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Statesville solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. These incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the North Carolina government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Statesville

There are a variety of solar incentives: those offered by the federal government, those offered by the North Carolina government and those offered by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy use has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. When you're prepared to switch over to solar energy, reaching out to your local Statesville solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

EcoWatch's Statesville, NC Solar Incentives FAQs

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Statesville?

When you add solar panels to your house in Statesville, you can anticipate savings of about $902.67 per year, or about $17,150.69 over 20 years.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To learn about the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Statesville.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits I can claim?

Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives for making 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 multiple types 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. Be sure to go over your ideas with your local Statesville 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.

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