2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Northbrook, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Northbrook.
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 Northbrook?
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
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 are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. This category of financial incentives is in place to encourage more homeowners to switch their home over to renewable energy. Solar incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Ohio and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives are normally handled at the state level. Once your solar panel system meets a certain threshold (normally a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Northbrook utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
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
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. An incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a given percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, accessories, equipment and labor – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Contacting your local Northbrook solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to your situation.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.
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 reach out to your local Northbrook solar panel installers with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be given by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Northbrook
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the Ohio government or the federal government. If you're ready to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Northbrook solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Northbrook, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Northbrook.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Northbrook solar panel installer, to get an understanding of what will be needed 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.