2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Highgate, VT - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Highgate.
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 September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Highgate?
Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Standard Offer Program
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption
Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar
Uniform $4.00/kilowatt property tax payment for systems 50 kW and greater
Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption
Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Emerging Tech Window ACs (only for window ACs that meet ENERGY STAR's 2019 Emerging Tech Award Criteria): $200
Heat Pump Heating & Cooling System: Up to $500 off at time of purchase
Clothes Dryers: $200 or $400
Dehumidifiers: Up to $40
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $600
Swimming pool pumps: $250 or $500
Lighting: Reduced prices at participating retailers
Horticultural Lighting Fixtures for Indoor Growing: $100
Smart Thermostats: Up to $100
Home Performance with Energy Star: Up to $2,000
Vermont Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Combination Furnace: $800
Hot Water Boilers: $600-$800
Combination Boilers: $900-$1,100
Direct Vent Space Heater: $200
Water Heaters: $200
Tankless Water Heaters: $300-$500
Indirect Water Heater: $100
Drain Water Heat Recovery: $300
Solar Hot Water: $950
Solar Furnace: $200
Residential Heating Systems Rebate Program
Central Wood Pellet Furnaces and Boilers: $2,000 rebate
Furnaces and Boilers: $250 rebate
Cold Climate Heat Pumps: $600 - $800 discount
High Performance Circulator Pumps: $15 - $50 discount
Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program
Residential: $0.40/kWh/yr
Commercial: $0.40/kWh/yr
Special Category: $0.80/kWh/yr
Advanced Wood Pellet Heating:
Flat Incentive: $3,000
Custom Incentive: $1.25/sq-ft; $10.00/MBH thermal storage tank adder
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 people to use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the state of Vermont or your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Highgate utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
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 you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, accessories and equipment. You can claim this credit for a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Highgate solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022 and will be done by December 31, 2032. The credit will then decrease annually until the date of expiration. 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. Your local Highgate solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Vermont. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Highgate
Solar incentives may be offered by your local utlity company, the Vermont government or the federal government. The growing number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Your local Highgate solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Highgate, VT Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Highgate solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Vermont, may have additional requirements.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Highgate?
Once you add solar panels to your Highgate home, you can expect to save approximately $1,129.24 per year, or approximately $21,455.57 over the next 20 years.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Highgate.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is slated 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 use 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. Be sure to talk through your plan with your local Highgate solar installer. They can help you plan your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you may or may 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.