2023 Solar Incentives Guide for East Cleveland, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in East Cleveland.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in East Cleveland?
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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Ohio or your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your East Cleveland utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
- 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.)
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In general, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (generally small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or other similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and performance-based incentives in general are typically given at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates can be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
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- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
To better understand how the ITC might apply to you, call your local East Cleveland solar panel installer and request more information.
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. The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After 2032, the percentage will decrease slightly each year until the program expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local East Cleveland solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more might be claimed at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. They might be offered by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in East Cleveland
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 may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the Ohio government or the federal government. We suggest talking to your local East Cleveland solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.
EcoWatch's East Cleveland, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local East Cleveland solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in East Cleveland?
On average, homeowners in East Cleveland who install solar panels save about $766.59 per year, or about $14,565.30 over 20 years after they make the switch.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on East Cleveland's top solar panel companies.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my home?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 400 pounds yearly, or roughly 8,000 pounds over 20 years.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local East Cleveland 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.