2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Amherst, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Amherst.
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.
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Updated January 20, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Amherst?
Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program
Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives designed to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You may qualify for several types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Ohio government and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be provided by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Net Metering: Make sure you talk to your Amherst utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month 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 Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that normally counts as part of your taxable income. In most cases, you must meet a certain (small) threshold of energy production before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are generally handled at the state level.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. You can claim this credit 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.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Amherst solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. After this, the credit percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the program expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Amherst solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the Ohio government. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Amherst
Solar energy use nationwide has increased enormously in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from the Ohio government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Amherst solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Amherst, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
In most cases, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Ohio government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Amherst solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Amherst?
Generally, Amherst homeowners who install solar panels save around $824.00 per year, or around $15,656.02 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Amherst's top solar panel companies.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is slated 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 receive incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
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.