2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Ashland, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Ashland.
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 Ashland?
Solar Electric Incentive Program
Solar + Storage Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Systems Exemption
Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate
State Energy Loan Program
New Homes Incentive Program
Solar ready incentive: up to $200
Custom Renewable Energy Projects
Ashland Electric Utility - Photovoltaic Rebate Program
Ashland Electric Utility - Residential Conservation Rebate Program
Windows: $3 - $8/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation: $0.26 - $0.65/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.66/sq. ft.
Floor Insulation: $0.40/sq. ft.
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Heating & Cooling
Forced Air Heat Pump: $500 - $1,000
Forced Air Duct Sealing: $250 - $300
Ductless Heat Pump: $500 - $2,000
Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer: $50
Washing Machine: $50 - $80
Clothes Dryer: $50
Lighting: Varies
Solar Water Heating: Up to $1,000
Solar PV: $0.50/watt, up to $7,500
Ashland Electric Utility - Solar Water Heater Loan
Loan: not specified
Ashland Electric Utility - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Ashland Electric Utility - Bright Way to Heat Water Rebate
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage people to use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the Oregon government or your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the added value of your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Ashland utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. One of the incentives many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, equipment, accessories and labor – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Talking to your local Ashland solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to you.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the new program, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032, can qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Ashland solar panel company can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. These solar incentives — which may be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Oregon — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Ashland
The expanding number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the Oregon government or from your local utility company. Reaching out to your local Ashland solar panel installer is the right first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Ashland, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
Broadly, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Oregon government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Ashland solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.
If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your solar system, or any local Ashland solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Ashland?
Once you add solar panels to your home in Ashland, you can anticipate savings of about $1,241.10 per year, or about $24,821.96 over 20 years.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely 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 ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're 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.