2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Norton, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Norton.
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 March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Norton?
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/
The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are provided by the state of Ohio or your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar system. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that is generally considered part of your taxable income. Generally, a certain (small) threshold of energy production must be met before your solar system qualifies for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. These kinds of incentives are normally handled by your state government.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Norton utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. You can receive this credit for solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum claim amount.
To more fully understand how the ITC will apply to you, call your local Norton solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the new program, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022 and finished by December 31, 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Norton solar panel installation expert with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the local or state level. These incentives may be offered by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Norton
Solar incentives might come from the federal government, the Ohio government or your local utility company. The growing number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. It is a good idea to talk to your local Norton solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
EcoWatch's Norton, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Norton solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the Ohio government, may have additional requirements.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on Norton's top solar panel companies.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
You can lower your carbon footprint by 400 pounds of CO2 a year when you install solar panels. This adds up to approximately 8,000 pounds in 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly 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.