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

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

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 Violet solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Violet?

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 term "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives designed to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. You might qualify for several kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Ohio government and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Violet utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Typically, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (generally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically provided at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and generally the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually be deducted from your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. 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 predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over the last few 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 accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.

To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Violet solar panel installer.

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 can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Violet solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the state and local level. These incentives might be provided by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Violet

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the Ohio government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Violet solar panel installer can help you learn more about which incentives you should apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Violet, OH Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

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

How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Violet solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the Ohio government, may have other requirements.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Violet home?

Once you add solar panels to your home in Violet, you can expect to save approximately $848.88 per year, or approximately $16,128.81 over the next 20 years.

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 Violet.

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 receiving, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.

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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