2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Symmes, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Symmes.
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.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Symmes?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the Ohio government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are typically handled at the state level. Once your solar system meets the threshold (usually a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that can be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar 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 let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Symmes utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to be eligible for the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all installation costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the covered amount has fluctuated 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 claim amount.
Reaching out to your local Symmes solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to you.
The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. With the new provisions, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then see a slight annual decrease until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Symmes solar panel company with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Ohio. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Symmes
You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Ohio government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. When you're ready to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Symmes solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Symmes, OH Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Symmes solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, 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, such as those provided at the level of the Ohio government, might have additional requirements.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives that reward homeowners who make 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.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied might vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but in most cases 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 make sure you are claiming all possible incentives and applying them in the correct order.
Can I claim incentives for adding 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 fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.
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.