2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Battle Ground, WA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Battle Ground.
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 Battle Ground?
Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment
Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption
100% exemption for solar photovoltaic systems 10 kilowatts or less, and solar thermal systems;
75% exemption for other qualified systems
Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing
Clark Public Utilities - Solar Energy Equipment Loan
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are provided by the Washington government or your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states 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.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Battle Ground utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
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Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, accessories, equipment and labor – although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Your local Battle Ground solar panel installation expert can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local Battle Ground solar installation expert.
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 available for a limited time. These incentives might be offered by the Washington government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Battle Ground
Solar incentives can come from the Washington government, the federal government or your local utility company. The large number of available incentives has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Speak with your local solar panel installation company today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Battle Ground home.
EcoWatch's Battle Ground, WA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Battle Ground solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those given by the state of Washington, might have additional requirements.
I already have solar panels. Do I qualify for any incentives?
Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels – or get in touch with a local Battle Ground solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To discover the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Battle Ground.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can get?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home 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. Other solar incentives may be 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.