2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Fort Mill, SC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Fort Mill.
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 Fort Mill?
Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Property Tax Exemption
Santee Cooper - Rooftop Solar Rebate Program
Non-Profit: $1.30/W
Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Corporate)
Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Personal)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. You may be eligible for different kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of South Carolina and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Fort Mill utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over time 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 labor, accessories and equipment. 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.
Speaking with your local Fort Mill solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC could apply to you.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Fort Mill solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be offered by the South Carolina government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fort Mill
You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the South Carolina government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. If you're ready to switch over to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Fort Mill solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Fort Mill, SC Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Fort Mill home?
After adding solar panels to your house in Fort Mill, you can expect to save approximately $970.94 per year, or approximately $18,447.87 over 20 years.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can apply for?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides multiple incentives designed to reward homeowners who make 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.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you receive but in most cases yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Talk with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure you are claiming all the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Fort Mill solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property located within the United States that you own, and most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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.