2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Lafayette, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Lafayette.
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 Lafayette?
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/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch their home over to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Solar incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Wisconsin and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: A 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 calculating tax credits.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Lafayette utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be 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 specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Your local Lafayette solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to get in touch with your local Lafayette solar panel installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the local or state level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. They might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Wisconsin government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Lafayette
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the Wisconsin government or the federal government. Call your local solar panel installer today to learn more and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Lafayette home.
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EcoWatch's Lafayette, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Lafayette solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Wisconsin government, may have additional requirements.
If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Talking to the company that installed your solar system, or any local Lafayette solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you qualify for.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Lafayette.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can claim?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety 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 use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Lafayette solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and educate you on the various incentives that you might or might 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.