2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Liberty, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Liberty.
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 Liberty?
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 mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are designed to encourage more Americans to switch to renewable energy. You might qualify for several kinds of incentives, including 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. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Liberty utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (usually small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are typically handled at the state level. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your home.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The discount that rebates offer is normally applied to the price of solar panels before tax credits are calculated.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Your local Liberty solar panel installer can give you more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to talk with your local Liberty solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others may only be 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 Liberty
Solar incentives may be provided by your local utlity company, the Ohio government or the federal government. The variety of available incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Your local Liberty solar panel installation company can give you more information about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Liberty, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Liberty solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Ohio, might have other requirements.
How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Liberty annually?
Generally, homeowners in Liberty who install solar panels save around $720.44 per year, or around $13,688.40 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in Liberty.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or the 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 apply for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied may vary depending on which incentives you receive but typically yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to be sure you are claiming all the incentives you are eligible for and applying them in the correct order.
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.