2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Cornelius, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Cornelius.
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 Cornelius?
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 are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Oregon or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Cornelius utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
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 you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, equipment and labor. You can receive this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Cornelius solar panel installation expert.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Cornelius solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Like with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. The incentives — which may be provided by the state of Oregon, or by your county or municipality — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cornelius
The variety of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the federal government, the Oregon government or from your local utility company. Your local Cornelius solar panel installation company can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Cornelius, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Cornelius annually?
After adding solar panels to your home in Cornelius, you can expect to save approximately $1,031.05 per year, or around $20,620.91 over the next 20 years.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 40 pounds a year, or around 800 pounds over 20 years.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that utilize solar energy, are there benefits I can claim?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several 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?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your proposed plan with your local Cornelius solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives 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.