2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Monfort Heights, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Monfort Heights.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Monfort Heights solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Monfort Heights?

Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$50,000

Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Low-interest, 30-year loan

Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Rate reduction available for up to $50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
SREC prices vary based on market conditions

Duke Energy (Gas & Electric) - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC: up to $400
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

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The phrase "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the Ohio government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are normally handled by the state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is typically considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Monfort Heights utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. These are different from tax deductions.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, accessories and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Speaking with your local Monfort Heights solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to your situation.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. Homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Monfort Heights solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Monfort Heights

You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the Ohio government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Call your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Monfort Heights home.

EcoWatch's Monfort Heights, OH Solar Incentives FAQs

How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

Broadly, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Ohio government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Monfort Heights solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.

My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Monfort Heights solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Monfort Heights' best solar panel companies.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're 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.

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