2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Whitpain, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Whitpain solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Whitpain?

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

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:

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

High Performance Building Incentives Program

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

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 designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are provided by the Pennsylvania government or your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. First, there 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 added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Whitpain utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce more than a specified (normally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically offered at the state level. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased 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.

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Momentum Solar

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Sunrun

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  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of installing solar panels, although it has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Reaching out to your local Whitpain solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to you.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022, and will be finished by the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then begin to decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, speak with your local Whitpain solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. Incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Pennsylvania. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Whitpain

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the Pennsylvania government, the federal government or your local utility company. Getting in touch with your local Whitpain solar panel installation company is a great first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Whitpain, PA Solar Incentives FAQs

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Talking to the company that installed your solar system, or any local Whitpain solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you qualify for.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Whitpain.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 250 pounds of CO2 a year by switching to solar panels. This adds up to approximately 5,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled 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 change out my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there any credits I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

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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