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

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

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 Schuyler 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

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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 Schuyler?

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/


The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives designed to encourage people to use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You might qualify for several types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Nebraska and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels 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 exclude the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Schuyler utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.

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 solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Speaking with your local Schuyler solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC could apply to your situation.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. This percentage will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to talk with your local Schuyler solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. These incentives may be given out by your county or municipality, or by the Nebraska government. Some are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Schuyler

The large number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the Nebraska government or the federal government. When you're ready to make the change to solar energy, reaching out to your local Schuyler solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

EcoWatch's Schuyler, NE Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Schuyler?

When you add solar panels to your home in Schuyler, you can anticipate savings of around $812.40 per year, or around $15,435.59 over 20 years.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Schuyler's best solar panel companies.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

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

The order that incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but typically yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm you are claiming all of the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.

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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