2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Hanover, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Hanover.

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 Hanover solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Hanover?

High Performance Buildings Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000
Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million
Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000

Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Manufacturer loans: $40,000 per job created within 3 years
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

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices.
Learn more:

High Performance Building Incentives Program

Incentive Type:
Grant Program
Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding

First Energy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Solar Water Heating Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program

FirstEnergy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances
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

Adams Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$100,000

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Pennsylvania government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Hanover utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives may be available to you if your solar system produces more than a specified (generally small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are normally handled by the state government. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, talk to your local Hanover solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. This credit will then decrease annually until its expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Hanover solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives may be offered by the Pennsylvania government, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hanover

The large number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the Pennsylvania government or the federal government. Your local Hanover solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you may qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Hanover, PA Solar Incentives FAQs

My home already has solar panels. Does my system qualify for any incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels — or speak to a local Hanover 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 panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Hanover?

Generally, homeowners in Hanover who install solar panels save around $822.68 per year, or around $15,630.90 over 20 years after they make the switch.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can apply for?

Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety 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 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 solar and geothermal. 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 Hanover solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what incentives you might or might 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.

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