2024 Solar Incentives Guide for White City, OR - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in White City.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in White City?
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
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 homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy. The incentives can include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are handled by the federal government, some by the state of Oregon and some by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your White City utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar panels. Rebates could be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
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 thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely 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 installing solar panels.
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. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost – for panels, accessories, equipment and labor – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, contact your local White City 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). Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. This percentage will then decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to speak with your local White City solar panel installation expert directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Oregon. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in White City
Solar energy use nationwide has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the proliferation of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from the federal government, the Oregon government or your local utility company. When you're ready to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local White City solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's White City, OR Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local White City solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Oregon, may have other requirements.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar system was 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 year it was installed. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your solar system, or any local White City solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives can be claimed on a second home, provided that 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.