2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Mount Lebanon, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Mount Lebanon.
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 Mount Lebanon?
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
Duquesne Light Company - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Central A/C / Heat Pumps: $100/ton
ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Solar Water Heater: $300
Ceiling/Floor/Wall Insulation: $0.23/square foot
ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifier: $20
ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator: $25
ENERGY STAR Certified Freezer: $10
ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioner: $25
ENERGY STAR Variable Speed Pool Pump: $200
Occupancy Sensor Based Control: $10
Smart Strip Surge Protector: $5
Furnace with High Efficiency Fan Motor: $100
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $100
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $35
Duquesne Light Company - Residential Solar Water Heating 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 phrase "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are offered by the Pennsylvania government or your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (generally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or other similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and performance-based incentives in general are typically provided by your state government. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Mount Lebanon utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, equipment, accessories and labor – although it may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Mount Lebanon solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. After this, the credit percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, talk to your local Mount Lebanon solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Incentives may be provided by the state of Pennsylvania, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Mount Lebanon
The expanding number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Pennsylvania government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speak with your local solar panel installation expert today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Mount Lebanon home.
EcoWatch's Mount Lebanon, PA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Mount Lebanon solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided at the level of the Pennsylvania government, may have additional requirements.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Mount Lebanon home?
Typically, Mount Lebanon homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $759.33 per year, or around $14,427.26 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
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 400 pounds yearly, or roughly 8,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I receive incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.
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.