2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Laurens, SC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Laurens.
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.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Laurens?
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" refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the state of South Carolina or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Laurens utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC initially applied to 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, equipment and accessories. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied 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.
To better understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Laurens solar panel installation expert.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. Homeowners can now receive a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. This credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, reach out to your local Laurens solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Rebates, tax credits and more might be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives could come from your county or municipality, or from the South Carolina government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Laurens
The nationwide use of solar energy has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the South Carolina government, the federal government or your local utility company. If you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, reaching out to your local Laurens solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
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
EcoWatch's Laurens, SC Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Laurens?
After adding solar panels to your home in Laurens, you can anticipate savings of around $1,085.44 per year, or around $20,623.31 over 20 years.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Laurens' best solar panel companies.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're 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. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Laurens solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand 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.