2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Martinsburg, WV - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Martinsburg.
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 Martinsburg?
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. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are provided by the West Virginia government or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Martinsburg utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. These could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to claim the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all system installation costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although this amount has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Speaking with your local Martinsburg solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to you.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. Homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022 and will be done by December 31, 2032. This new credit will then decrease annually until it expires. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Martinsburg solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; tax credits, rebates and more may be offered at the state and local level. These solar incentives — which may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of West Virginia — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Martinsburg
The variety of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the West Virginia government or the federal government. If you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Martinsburg solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
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EcoWatch's Martinsburg, WV Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my Martinsburg home?
When you add solar panels to your home in Martinsburg, you can expect to save about $869.81 per year, or about $16,526.45 over the next 20 years.
If I change out my appliances for ones that utilize solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives meant to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.
Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local Martinsburg 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.