2023 Solar Incentives Guide for South Middleton, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in South Middleton.
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 South Middleton solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in South Middleton?
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
Adams Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are designed to encourage more people to make the switch to renewable energy. These incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the Pennsylvania government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets a predetermined threshold (generally a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your South Middleton utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar system. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive that most people are probably 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 applies to the total cost of installing solar panels, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. 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. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local South Middleton solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the new program, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022 and finished by December 31, 2032 can 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. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to get in touch with your local South Middleton solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed 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 South Middleton
Solar incentives may be offered by the Pennsylvania government, the federal government or your local utility company. The variety of incentives available has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Speaking with your local South Middleton solar panel installation company is the best first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
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 South Middleton, PA Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I want to add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives can be claimed on a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in South Middleton annually?
Typically, homeowners in South Middleton who install solar panels save approximately $800.22 per year, or approximately $15,204.12 over 20 years after making the switch.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on South Middleton's top solar panel companies.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives for making 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 a combination of solar and another type 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 go over your ideas with your local South Middleton solar installation expert. They can help you plan 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.