2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Progress, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Progress.
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 Progress solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Progress?
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 designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the state of Pennsylvania, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce more than a specified (normally small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically given by your state government. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and generally the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Progress utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. An incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories 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 more fully understand how the ITC could apply to your situation, call your local Progress solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. 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 2032, the percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Progress solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be offered by the Pennsylvania government, or by your county or municipality. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Progress
You can apply for solar incentives from the Pennsylvania government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Your local Progress solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you may qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Progress, PA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Pennsylvania government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Progress solar installer to find out what incentives your project will qualify for.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Progress?
Typically, Progress homeowners who install solar panels save about $723.91 per year, or about $13,754.34 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on Progress' top solar panel companies.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to talk through your ideas with your local Progress solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that 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.