2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Altoona, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Altoona.
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 Altoona?
Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions
Renewable Rewards Program
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300
Biogas, Solar, and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption
Eau Claire Energy Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Heat pump clothes dryer: $50/unit
Clothes washer: $25/unit
Dishwashers: $25/unit
Refrigerators: $25/unit
Dehumidifier: $25/unit
Refrigerator/Freezer/Room AC Recycling: $25/unit
Electric Water Heater (75 - 99 Gallons or 85 Gallon Marathon): $125/unit
Electric Water Heater (100+ Gallons or 100 Gallon Marathon): $300/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit
Solar Storage Water Heater: $300/unit
Air Source Heat Pump/Mini-Split Heat Pumps: $200/Ton
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/Ton
ECM Blower Motor: $35/unit
LED Bulbs: $1
Occupancy Sensor: $5 Each
LED Exit Sign: $5/sign
LED Fixture: $1/800 lumens
Home Performance Evaluation: Up to $100
Home Implementation Incentives: Up to $500
Touchstone Energy Home Program: $500
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" covers a wide range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Solar incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are handled by the federal government, some by the Wisconsin government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Altoona utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
- 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 value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
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Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, accessories, equipment and labor), although this amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Your local Altoona solar panel installer can give you more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Under the new program, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, speak with your local Altoona solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Local solar incentives could come from the Wisconsin government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Altoona
The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Wisconsin government. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Altoona home.
EcoWatch's Altoona, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Altoona annually?
On average, homeowners in Altoona who install solar panels save approximately $994.69 per year, or approximately $18,899.10 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Altoona.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type 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. Make sure you discuss your plan with your local Altoona solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't 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.