2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Falls, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Falls.
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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Falls solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Falls?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Solar incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Pennsylvania and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Falls utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. These may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before calculating tax credits.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In general, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (generally small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically given at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your home.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it 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 understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, contact your local Falls solar panel installer.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 might qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Falls solar panel installation expert with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. These incentives — which may be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Pennsylvania — may be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Falls
Solar incentives can be provided by your local utility company, the federal government or the Pennsylvania government. The growing number of available solar incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. If you're prepared to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Falls solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
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 Falls, PA Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your system — or speak to a local Falls solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly 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 the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 250 pounds a year, or roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there incentives I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for multiple incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use multiple types 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. Be sure to go over your plan with your local Falls solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and give you an understanding of 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.