2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Struthers, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Struthers solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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 Struthers?

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

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" broadly refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Various kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Ohio government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs are credits that can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that normally counts as part of your taxable income. Typically, there is a small threshold of energy production to meet before your solar system can earn SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically handled by your state government.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Struthers utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. One of the incentives many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. You can claim this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

To best understand how the ITC will apply to your situation, speak to your local Struthers solar panel installation expert and request more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). 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. The 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. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, reach out to your local Struthers solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives may come from your county or municipality, or from the Ohio government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Struthers

There are many types of solar incentives: those provided by the federal government, those provided by the Ohio government and those provided by local utility companies, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. Your local Struthers solar panel installation expert can help you learn more about which incentives you should apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Struthers, OH Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Struthers.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?

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

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.

Follow us