2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Plattsmouth, NE - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Plattsmouth 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 Plattsmouth?

Dollar and Energy Savings Loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Traditional Dollar and Energy Savings Loans:
Residential: $125,000;
Multifamily dwellings with 3 or more units: $250,000
Non-Residential: $500,000;
Home Electronics: $25,000;
Office Electronics: $50,000
Alternative Fuel Projects: $500,000
Telecommunications Projects: $250,000

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Nebraska Public Power District - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Smart Thermostat: Up to $100
High Efficiency Heat Pump: $300 - $2,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 - $500
Cooling System Tune-Up: $30
Attic Insulation: $0.15/sq. ft.

Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
PACE bonds are capped at $5 million unless approved by referendum.

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 those who install solar panels on their homes. Solar incentives can include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the Nebraska government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to speak with your Plattsmouth utility company about signing a net metering contract. 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.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all installation costs (panels, accessories, labor and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated over the years 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 Plattsmouth solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to talk with your local Plattsmouth solar panel installation expert.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Incentives might be offered by the state of Nebraska, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Plattsmouth

The variety of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Nebraska government or from your local utility company. It is a good idea to talk to your local Plattsmouth solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Plattsmouth, NE Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Plattsmouth home?

Once you add solar panels to your Plattsmouth home, you can expect to save around $837.69 per year, or around $15,916.14 over 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is set 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.

Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Plattsmouth solar installation expert. They can help you plan 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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