2024 Solar Incentives Guide for New Baltimore, VA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in New Baltimore.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in New Baltimore?
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 term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. You may qualify for several types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Virginia government and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce more than a specified (normally small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or other similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically given at the state level. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your New Baltimore utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
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Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. You can receive this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
Your local New Baltimore solar panel installer can give you more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
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. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local New Baltimore solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be claimed at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Some incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Local solar incentives could come from your county or municipality, or from the Virginia government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in New Baltimore
The expanding number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the Virginia government or the federal government. Speaking with your local New Baltimore solar panel installation expert is a great first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's New Baltimore, VA Solar Incentives FAQs
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in New Baltimore?
On average, New Baltimore homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $917.55 per year, or around $17,433.38 over 20 years after making the switch.
Can I receive incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives 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?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your plan with your local New Baltimore solar panel installer, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives will 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.