2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Mequon, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Mequon.
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 Mequon?
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/
Solar incentives encourage people to make the switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are offered by the state of Wisconsin or 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 government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first 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.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Mequon utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar panel installation, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it 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 claim amount.
Contacting your local Mequon solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. At this point, the credit percentage will see a slight decrease annually until the program expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, reach out to your local Mequon solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be handled by the state of Wisconsin, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Mequon
The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up significantly in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the Wisconsin government, the federal government or your local utility company. Speaking with your local Mequon solar panel installation expert is an excellent first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
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 Mequon, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
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 installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Reaching out to the company that installed your system, or any local Mequon solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Mequon home?
When you add solar panels to your home in Mequon, you can anticipate savings of around $1,118.94 per year, or around $21,259.92 over 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I receive 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 which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local Mequon solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives 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.