2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Boardman, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Boardman.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Boardman?
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/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. These financial incentives are in place to encourage more people to make the switch to renewable energy. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Ohio or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Boardman utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives are typically handled by your state government. Once your solar system meets the qualification threshold (normally a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make from the sale is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, accessories and equipment – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Your local Boardman solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, talk to your local Boardman solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these could include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Incentives might be given by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Boardman
There are many types of solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those provided by the Ohio government and those offered by the federal government, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased enormously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. If you're ready to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Boardman solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Boardman, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar system – or call a local Boardman solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 400 pounds a year, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there any credits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you receive but typically yes, you can receive 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 possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
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