2023 Solar Incentives Guide for New Berlin, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in New Berlin.
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 New Berlin?
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 help mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is in place to encourage more Americans to switch their home over to renewable energy. The incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the Wisconsin government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar panels. These could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The discount that rebates offer is normally applied to the price of solar panels before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Make sure you talk to your New Berlin 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 your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, accessories, equipment and labor), although this amount has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Talking to your local New Berlin solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. With the new provisions, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022 and finished by December 31, 2032 can qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion 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. Your local New Berlin solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these might include rebates, tax credits and more. These incentives might be distributed by your county or municipality, or by the Wisconsin government. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in New Berlin
The expanding number of solar incentives available has enormously increased the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Wisconsin government. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, calling your local New Berlin solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
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 New Berlin, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local New Berlin solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. In most cases, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Wisconsin, may have other requirements.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in New Berlin?
Generally, homeowners in New Berlin who install solar panels save around $1,128.77 per year, or around $21,446.67 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the best solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on New Berlin's best solar panel companies.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.
Can I use both solar and another type 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 use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local New Berlin solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what types of incentives 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.