2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Evanston, WY - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Evanston solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Evanston?

Wyoming PACE Financing Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Local governing body must provide an explanation of any proposed program to utility distributing energy or natural gas to the area no later than 30 days prior to implementing said program.

Questar Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliance Rebates
Smart Thermostat: $50
Water Heaters: $100-$750
Tankless Water Heater: $350
Solar Assisted Water Heater: $750
Furnace: $200-$400
Boiler: $400-$600
Fireplace: $200

Weatherization Rebates
R-5 Windows: $2.50/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.30/sq. ft.
Floor Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation: $0.07-$0.25/sq. ft.

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/


Solar incentives help mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. These financial incentives are designed to encourage more Americans to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may be eligible for several types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Wyoming government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. These rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Evanston utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a predetermined percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to be eligible for the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all installation costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated 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.

To know exactly how much money the ITC could save you, talk to your local Evanston solar panel installation expert.

In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit bolsters the current credit, increasing it up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032. After 2032, the credit percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, get in touch with your local Evanston solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives may come from the Wyoming government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Evanston

The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the Wyoming government or the federal government. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, reaching out to your local Evanston solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

Solar Veteran

Creative Energies

★★★★★
4.5

  • Certified B Corp
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Many years of experience
  • Multitude of products and services
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Slightly expensive

EcoWatch's Evanston, WY Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to 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.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Evanston home?

Generally, Evanston homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $967.05 per year, or approximately $18,373.88 over 20 years after they make the switch.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Evanston's best solar panel companies.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 6,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

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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