2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Greeneville, TN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Greeneville.
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 Greeneville?
Green Energy Property Tax Assessment
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives that are in place to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You may qualify for various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Tennessee and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Be sure to talk with your Greeneville utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
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 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
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. 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 your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed after January 1, 2006, on a property you own for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, labor, equipment and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Greeneville solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, 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. The amount will be decreased slightly each year until the end of the current program. The expansion 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. The easiest way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to reach out to your local Greeneville solar panel installers with your questions.
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 can be offered at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives may come from the Tennessee government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Greeneville
Solar incentives might be provided by your local utility company, the federal government or the Tennessee government. The variety of available solar incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. When you're ready to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Greeneville solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Greeneville, TN Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Greeneville solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided at the level of the Tennessee government, might have other requirements.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my Greeneville home?
Typically, homeowners in Greeneville who install solar panels save about $509.06 per year, or approximately $10,181.14 over 20 years after making the switch.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can apply for?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Greeneville solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the 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.