2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Cherry Hill, VA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Cherry Hill.
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 Cherry Hill?
Income Tax Deduction for Energy-Efficient Products
Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption
Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are offered by the Virginia government or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives might be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are typically handled at the state level. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar system. Rebates might be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Cherry Hill utility company, they 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 other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of solar system installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. 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 can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
To best understand how the ITC could apply to you, contact your local Cherry Hill solar panel installer and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Cherry Hill solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. They might be given by the Virginia government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Cherry Hill
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from your local utility company, the Virginia government or the federal government. We suggest talking to your local Cherry Hill solar installer for more information about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cherry Hill, VA Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
How can I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Cherry Hill solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Virginia government, might have additional requirements.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to roughly 6,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any benefits that I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act introduces several incentives meant 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 receive 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 your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.
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.