2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Deerfield, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Deerfield.
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 October 25, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Deerfield?
Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program
Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)
Duke Energy (Gas & Electric) - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program
Central AC or Heat pump: $300-$400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400
Smart Thermostat: $125
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Duct Sealing: $100
Duct Insulation: $75
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. You may be eligible for different types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Ohio and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Deerfield utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets a certain threshold (usually a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, labor and accessories. This credit can be claimed 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.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Deerfield solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; the amount will then decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Deerfield solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Ohio government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Deerfield
You can receive solar incentives from the Ohio government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Speak with your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Deerfield home.
EcoWatch's Deerfield, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Deerfield solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of Ohio, might have additional requirements.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To discover the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Deerfield.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now named 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 claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your 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 ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Deerfield solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you may or may 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.