2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Seneca, SC - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Seneca.
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 Seneca solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Seneca?
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)
Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative - Heat Pump Loan Program
One heat pump: up to $10,000
Two or more heat pumps: up to $15,000
One geothermal heat pump: up to $10,000
Mobile home
One heat pump up to $8,000
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. The incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of South Carolina and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value that your solar panels add when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Seneca utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company 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 government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to be eligible for the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, accessories, labor and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To better understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Seneca solar panel installation expert.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. American homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. The total credit will then decrease annually until the date of expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local Seneca solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more may be offered at the state and local level. These incentives might be distributed by the South Carolina government, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Seneca
Solar incentives may be offered by the South Carolina government, the federal government or your local utility company. The growing number of available solar incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Your local Seneca solar panel installation expert can give you more information about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
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 Seneca, SC Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those given out by the South Carolina government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Seneca solar installer to discover what incentives your project may qualify for.
My home already has solar panels. Do I qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to a representative from the company that installed your system — or get in touch with a local Seneca solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Seneca.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some 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.