2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Douglass, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Douglass.
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.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Douglass?
High Performance Buildings Incentive Program
Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million
Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000
Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program
Manufacturer grants: $5,000 per job created within 3 years
Loans for geothermal systems: $3 per square foot of space served up to $5 million; also limited to 50% of eligible costs for residential systems.
Loans for wind energy production projects: $5 million
Grants for wind energy production projects: $1 million
Grants for feasibility studies: 50% of cost up to $175,000
Loan guarantee grants: Up to 75% of deficient funds up to $5 million
Solar Alternative Energy Credits
High Performance Building Incentives Program
First Energy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Solar Water Heating Program
FirstEnergy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Refrigerator: $75
Clothes Washer: $25- $50
Clothes Dryer: $50
Freezers: $25
Dehumidifiers: $25
Fridge/Freezer Recycling: $50
HVAC
HVAC tune up: $50
Furnace Fan Motor: $150
Ductless Minisplit AC : $200
Central AC: $100 - $200
Air Source Heat pump: $250 - $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $600
Packaged Terminal AC: $75
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $150
Programmable Thermostat: $25
Others
Solar Water Heat: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Home Energy Audit: $250
Lighting: Available as in-store discount in participating stores
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Pennsylvania or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system might 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 value added by your solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that typically becomes part of your taxable income. Generally, a certain (small) threshold of energy production must be met before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. Incentives like these are typically handled at the state level.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Douglass utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. One of the incentives that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, equipment and accessories. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Douglass solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Douglass solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. These incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Pennsylvania government. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Douglass
The nationwide use of solar energy has significantly increased in the past 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from your local utility company, the Pennsylvania government or the federal government. We suggest talking to your local Douglass solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
EcoWatch's Douglass, PA Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding 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 will apply to 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 details.
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Douglass solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Pennsylvania government, may have other requirements.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Douglass' best solar panel companies.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
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 250 pounds yearly, or roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type 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. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Douglass solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that you will or won't 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.