2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Beckley, WV - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Beckley.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Beckley solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Beckley?

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Various types of incentives, like cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the West Virginia government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Beckley utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

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Best Technology

Tesla Energy

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  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. 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 certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. 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 amount you can claim.

Your local Beckley solar panel installer can provide more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Beckley solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the local or state level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others may only be available for a limited time. These incentives might be given by your county or municipality, or by the West Virginia government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Beckley

The variety of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the West Virginia government. It is a good idea to talk to your local Beckley solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting all the money you can for your solar panels.

EcoWatch's Beckley, WV Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Beckley solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the West Virginia government, may have additional requirements.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Beckley?

After adding solar panels to your home in Beckley, you can anticipate savings of approximately $909.41 per year, or about $17,278.74 over 20 years.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

If I change out my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there credits I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

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.

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