2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Centralia, WA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Centralia.
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 Centralia?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Different kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Washington government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Net Metering: Don't forget to talk to your Centralia utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. Rebates could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
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Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. An incentive many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a given percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and under this program you can 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 in the United States that you own. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Talking to your local Centralia solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to you.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Under the new program, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022, and finished by December 31, 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, talk to your local Centralia solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. They may be given by the Washington government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Centralia
You can qualify for solar incentives from the Washington government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. Reach out to your local solar panel installer today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Centralia home.
EcoWatch's Centralia, WA Solar Incentives FAQs
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Centralia?
Generally, Centralia homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $868.77 per year, or around $17,375.44 over 20 years after they make the switch.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 50 pounds of CO2 annually by installing solar panels. This adds up to around 1,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
If I switch my appliances out for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives meant to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Centralia solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives 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.