2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Elkhorn, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Elkhorn.
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 May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Elkhorn?
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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives designed to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You might qualify for different types of incentives, including 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 state of Wisconsin and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Elkhorn utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your home.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. 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 amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Elkhorn solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will then decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to talk with your local Elkhorn solar panel installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Rebates, tax credits and more might be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. Incentives may be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Wisconsin government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Elkhorn
There are many types of solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those provided by the federal government and those provided by the Wisconsin government, to name a few. Solar energy use has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on a solar system for your Elkhorn home.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Elkhorn, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Elkhorn solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Wisconsin government, may have other requirements.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Elkhorn solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you might want to apply for.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can get?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives to encourage you to 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 both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money you can.
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.