2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Bethany, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Bethany.
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 Bethany?
Solar Electric Incentive Program
Solar + Storage Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Systems Exemption
Columbia River PUD - Solar PV Net Metering Rebate
Portland General Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Efficient Heat Pumps: $700
Heat Pump Controls: $250
Ductless Heat Pump: $800
Smart Thermostat: $50-$100
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $500 (special pricing available at certain retailers as well)
State Energy Loan Program
New Homes Incentive Program
Solar ready incentive: up to $200
Custom Renewable Energy Projects
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may qualify for different types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Oregon government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Bethany utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
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
Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. The tax credit ranges from 26-30% of total costs depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To find out exactly how much money the ITC could save you, contact your local Bethany solar panel installer.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions 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 receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Bethany solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Oregon government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Bethany
Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the past 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the federal government, the Oregon government or your local utility company. Talking to your local Bethany solar panel installation expert is an excellent first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Bethany, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to the company that installed your solar panels – or reach out to a local Bethany solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 40 pounds yearly, or around 800 pounds over 20 years.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your plan with your local Bethany solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you may or may not qualify for.
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property 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 can be claimed on a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, 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.