2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Berlin, NH - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Berlin solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Berlin?

Residential Small Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.20/watt

Residential Bulk-Fed Wood-Pellet Central Boilers and Furnace Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program

Residential Solar Water Heating Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$1,500, $1,700 or $1,900, depending on annual estimated system output

Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy and Electrical Energy Storage

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies (local option)

Eversource - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Lighting: Online discounts & coupons at participating retailers
LED Light Fixture: $5
Heating/Cooling Equipment: Up to $400
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $600
Clothes Dryers: up to $200
Clothes Washer: Up to $50
Dehumidifier: $25
ENERGY STAR Homes: $4,000
Natural Gas Heating Equipment: Up to $1,500
Natural Gas thermostats: Up to $100
Pool Pumps: Up to $500
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $30
Refrigerators: Up to $75
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Room Air Purifiers: $40

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. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the state of New Hampshire or your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Berlin utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC applies to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all installation costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the covered amount has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Your local Berlin 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 referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs 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 decrease annually until it expires. Starting in 2023, the 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. Your local Berlin solar panel installer can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more can be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives — which might be handled by the state of New Hampshire, or by your county or municipality — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Berlin

You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the federal government and the New Hampshire government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Getting in touch with your local Berlin solar panel installation expert is a great first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Berlin, NH Solar Incentives FAQs

I already have solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?

You should plan to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar panels – or speak to a local Berlin solar installer — to better understand which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in Berlin?

After adding solar panels to your home in Berlin, you can expect to save approximately $942.12 per year, or about $17,900.25 over the next 20 years.

Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order in which incentives are applied may vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but typically yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.

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

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

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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