2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Franklin, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Franklin.
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 Franklin?
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
Dayton Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Air Conditioning: $100 - $150, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Geothermal Heat Pump: $800 - $1,000, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400
Airlfow/Climate Control
WiFi Thermostat: $20-$30
Smart Thermostat: $75
Air Insulation & Sealing: Up to $650, must be through approved contractors
Appliance Recycling: $50
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Program
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative - Residential Rebate Program
Geothermal Systems (Replacement Systems): $600
Dual Fuel Heating Systems (New Installations): $600
Dual Fuel Heating Systems (Replacements): $300
Air Source Heat Pump Systems (New and Replacements): $300
Insulation: maximum of $800 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
Air Sealing: maximum of $400 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives encourage people to switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives that lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Various types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the state of Ohio, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. This category of incentives is usually handled by the state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Franklin utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when paying property tax on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. 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. 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 amount you can claim.
To more fully understand how the ITC might apply to you, contact your local Franklin solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to reach out to your local Franklin solar panel company with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. They may be given by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Franklin
There are many types of solar incentives: those offered by local utility companies, those offered by the Ohio government and those provided by the federal government, to name a few. Solar energy use has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. We recommend talking to your local Franklin solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar panels.
EcoWatch's Franklin, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels – or get in touch with a local Franklin 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. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Franklin.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to approximately 9,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.
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.