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

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

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 Whitehall 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 Whitehall?

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" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the Ohio government or your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce more than a specified (generally small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically provided by your state government. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Whitehall utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of installing a solar system, and has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. 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 can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Whitehall solar panel installation expert to get more information.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Whitehall solar panel installers with your questions.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. Incentives might be provided by the Ohio government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Whitehall

There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those given by the federal government and those given by the Ohio government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. It is a good idea to talk to your local Whitehall solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to make sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.

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 Whitehall, OH Solar Incentives FAQs

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

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Whitehall.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 450 pounds yearly, or around 9,000 pounds over 20 years.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?

Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to go over your plan with your local Whitehall solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that 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.

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