Solar incentives are a great way for homeowners, businesses, and organizations to take advantage of the numerous benefits associated with solar energy. Across the United States, there are various incentive programs available on a state-by-state basis that help to reduce the cost of installing solar panels, as well as provide financial incentives for energy produced. These incentives vary greatly from state to state, so it is important to research what is available in your area. With the right incentives in place, solar energy can become a cost-effective and reliable source of energy for many.
North East:
Connecticut
Benefits and Incentives:
- Save money on electricity bills: Installing a residential solar system in Connecticut can reduce your electricity bills, as the panels produce up to 100% of your electricity needs.
- Increase the value of your home: Having a solar system installed can increase the value of your home, as it is an attractive feature for potential buyers.
- Receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC): In Connecticut, you can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) for the energy your solar system produces. These credits can be sold to utilities, providing you with additional income.
- Help the environment: Residential solar systems in Connecticut reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping the environment.
- Connecticut Solar Loan Program: The Connecticut Solar Loan Program provides low-cost loans to residential and commercial customers for the installation of solar systems.
- Connecticut Solar Investment Tax Credit: Connecticut residents can receive up to 30% of the system cost as a tax credit.
- Connecticut Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC): Connecticut homeowners can earn SRECs for the energy their solar system produces. These credits can be sold to utilities, providing additional income.
Delaware
Benefits and Incentives:
- Net-Metering: Delaware consumers who install solar can benefit from net-metering, which allows them to receive credit for the excess energy that their solar system produces and send back to the grid.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Delaware offers an SREC program, which provides financial incentives for homeowners to install solar by allowing them to sell their SRECs to utility companies.
- Tax Credits: Delaware offers a Solar Energy Performance Tax Credit of up to 35% of the cost of solar installations.
- Loan Programs: Deleware offers a solar loan program, which provides low-interest financing to qualified homeowners for the purchase and installation of solar systems.
- Grants: Delaware offers grants to help homeowners cover the cost of installing solar systems.
District of Columbia
Benefits and Incentives:
- Net Metering: Net metering allows homeowners to receive credit for excess electricity produced by their solar system. This credit is applied to their monthly electricity bill.
- Federal Tax Credit: Homeowners in the District of Columbia are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the total installed cost of their solar system.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar installations are exempt from property taxes, which can help to offset the cost of solar installation.
- Rebates: The District of Columbia also provides incentives through various rebate programs. These include the Solar for All Program, which offers rebates of up to $1,000 for residential solar installations, and the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Program, which provides rebates of up to $1,000 for solar installations that meet certain requirements.
Maine
Benefits and Incentives:
- Reduced electricity bills – Solar energy is a free, renewable resource that you can use to reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills.
- Increased home value – Research has shown that homes with solar installations can increase in value. • Tax credits – Maine offers a 25% state tax credit for solar installations, up to $2,000.
- Net metering – Maine has a net metering program that allows you to receive credit for the excess energy you generate. Incentives: • Solarize Maine – This program offers incentives for solar installations in designated areas. • Solar Loan Program – This loan program provides low-interest loans to help finance solar installations.
- Solar Hot Water Rebate – This rebate program offers a $2,000 rebate for households that install a solar hot water system. • Solar Thermal Rebate – This rebate program offers a $500 rebate for households that install a solar thermal system.
Maryland
Benefits and Incentives:
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Maryland residents who install a solar energy system can earn SRECs which can be sold on the open market to utilities and other electricity suppliers.
- Grant Program: MEA offers grant programs to help offset the cost of installing solar energy systems.
- Tax Credit: Maryland offers tax credits for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Maryland residents can receive credit for energy their system generates and sends back to the grid. 5. Zero-Interest Loans: MEA offers zero-interest loans for solar energy systems.
Massachusetts
Benefits and Incentives:
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Massachusetts homeowners who install solar panels can sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to utilities, earning credits for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity they produce.
- Personal Tax Credits: Massachusetts residents can take advantage of a 25% personal tax credit for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to $1,000.
- Federal Tax Credit: Massachusetts residents may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the solar system.
- Net Metering: Massachusetts homeowners with solar panels can sell excess electricity back to the utility grid, resulting in bill credits for the homeowner.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Massachusetts homeowners may be eligible for property tax exemptions for solar energy systems.
- Financing Options: Massachusetts homeowners may be eligible for financing options such as loans, grants, and other incentives.
New Hampshire
Benefits and Incentives:
- Cost savings: Solar energy is free once installed, and you can save money on your monthly energy bills by using solar energy instead of energy from the grid.
- Tax credits: New Hampshire offers a 25% federal tax credit for installing solar energy systems, and some local municipalities offer additional incentives for installing solar.
- Increased home value: Homes with solar energy systems are more desirable, so they often increase the value of your home.
- Environmental benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, so it helps reduce your negative environmental impact.
- Job creation: The installation and maintenance of solar energy systems can create jobs in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Benefits and Incentives:
- 1. Subsidies and tax credits: New Jersey offers a variety of financial incentives to reduce the cost of installing solar, including a state tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, and a federal income tax credit of up to 30%.
- Net Metering: New Jersey offers net metering for residential customers, allowing solar owners to receive credits for excess power generated by their system.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): In New Jersey, solar owners can receive SRECs for every 1,000 kWh of energy their system produces. These credits can be sold to utilities and other entities for additional revenue.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar systems are exempt from local property taxes in New Jersey, providing an additional incentive for installation.
- Low-Interest Loans: New Jersey offers low-interest financing and loan programs to help homeowners pay for the cost of their solar installation.
New York
Benefits and Incentives:
- Federal Tax Credit: New York homeowners can receive a federal tax credit equal to 26% of the cost of a solar installation.
- NY-Sun Initiative: This NY State program offers incentives for solar installations through NYSERDA and NY State Electric & Gas.
- Property Tax Abatement: Property taxes can be abated for up to 20 years in New York for any solar installation.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Homeowners can earn SRECs for extra energy produced by their solar system, which can be sold for additional income.
- Net Metering: Homeowners can sell excess energy generated by their solar system back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills.
- Solarize Programs: Local governments often offer incentives for solar installations through discounted prices and other offers.
Pennsylvania
Benefits and Incentives:
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Pennsylvania homeowners can receive a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity they produce. These credits can then be sold to electric companies to help offset the cost of installing and maintaining solar panels.
- Tax Credits: Pennsylvania homeowners can receive up to $9,500 in state tax credits for the installation of a solar energy system.
- Net Metering: Pennsylvania net metering allows homeowners to receive credit for the excess electricity produced by their solar energy system. This credit can then be applied to the homeowner’s electricity bill.
- Property Tax Exemption: Pennsylvania homeowners are exempt from paying property taxes on any value added to their home due to the installation of a solar energy system.
- Low-Interest Loans: Pennsylvania homeowners can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans of up to $25,000 for the installation of a solar energy system.
Rhode Island
Benefits and Incentives:
- Rhode Island Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Program: Generates credits for solar energy produced onsite which can be sold for money.
- Rhode Island Solar Tax Credit: Provides a 25% state tax credit for residential solar systems.
- Net metering: Rhode Island customers are credited for any excess energy produced and sent back to the grid.
- Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund: Provides grants and loans to help cover the cost of residential solar installations.
- Federal Solar Tax Credit: Provides a 30% tax credit for solar systems.
- Property Tax Exemption: Provides an exemption from state property taxes for residential solar systems.
- Solarize Rhode Island: Offers discounted group solar installation rates.
Midwest:
Illinois
Benefits and Incentives:
- Federal Tax Credit: A 30% federal tax credit is available for residential solar installations in Illinois.
- Illinois State Tax Credit: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers a rebate of up to $2,000 for residential solar installations.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Homeowners with solar systems in Illinois can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for the energy they produce.
- Net Metering: Homeowners with solar systems in Illinois can benefit from net metering. This program allows customers to sell any excess electricity they generate back to their utility company.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar systems in Illinois are exempt from property taxes.
- Sales Tax Exemption: Solar equipment is exempt from sales taxes in Illinois.
Indiana
Benefits and Incentives:
- Reduced Energy Bills: Solar energy can reduce electricity costs by offsetting grid electricity with solar energy.
- Tax Incentives: Indiana homeowners who install solar systems may be eligible for federal and state tax incentives.
- Grants: Indiana offers several solar grants to homeowners who install solar panels.
- Net Metering: Homeowners in Indiana are eligible for net metering, which allows them to receive credit on their utility bills for energy produced by their solar system.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Indiana homeowners can receive a property tax exemption for the value of their solar system.
- Renewable Energy Credits: Homeowners can earn renewable energy credits (RECs) for their solar system production. These credits can be sold to utilities for additional income.
- Loan Programs: Indiana offers loan programs that can help homeowners finance their solar system.
Iowa
Benefits and Incentives:
- Iowa solar tax incentive: Residents are eligible for a state tax credit equal to 25% of their solar system installation costs, up to $5,000.
- Iowa Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Residents who install solar can sell the energy their panels generate to utility companies and receive credits for the energy generated.
- Iowa’s Net Metering Program: Residents can take advantage of Iowa’s Net Metering Program, which allows them to sell any excess energy produced by their solar panels back to the utility.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Homeowners can receive a federal tax credit equal to 26% of the cost of their solar system, up to $2,000.
- Residential Energy Efficiency Property Tax Exemption: Residents in Iowa are eligible for a property tax exemption for up to 100% of the value of the solar system.
- Solar Financing Incentives: Residents can take advantage of solar financing options, such as solar leases, power purchasing agreements, and solar loans, to make solar more affordable.
Kansas
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Breaks: Kansas homeowners may be eligible for a property tax exemption and a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the system.
- Net Metering: Kansas homeowners who install solar are eligible for net metering, meaning they can use the energy they produce to offset their electricity bills.
- Renewable Energy Credits: Kansas homeowners who install solar are eligible to receive Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that they can sell to their local utility.
- Utility Rate Savings: Kansas homeowners can save on their electricity bills by taking advantage of the lower rates offered by the utility companies for solar energy.
- Job Creation: The installation of residential solar systems in Kansas creates jobs for local workers.
- Environmental Benefits: Installing solar in Kansas reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to make the state more sustainable.
Michigan
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Exemptions: Michigan offers a 100% property tax exemption on the added value of a solar energy system.
- Grants: Michigan offers grants of up to $75,000 for residential solar projects through the Michigan Renewable Energy Grant Program.
- Rebates: Consumers Energy and DTE Energy offer a $0.50 per watt incentive for residential solar projects.
- Net Metering: Utility companies in Michigan offer net metering for solar energy systems, which allows customers to earn credits on their electricity bills for excess energy produced.
- Financing Options: Michigan residents can take advantage of numerous financing options, including home equity loans and solar power purchase agreements.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): SRECs can be sold to utility companies for additional incentives.
Minnesota
Benefits and Incentives:
- Minnesota Solar Incentive Program: Provides a one-time rebate of up to 30% of the cost of a solar panel system, up to $6,000.
- Minnesota Solar Energy Production Incentive Program: Provides an incentive of up to $2.50 per watt based on solar energy production.
- Federal Tax Credit: A 30% federal tax credit is available for residential solar installations.
- Net Metering: Provides the ability to sell excess energy produced to the local utility.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Solar installations are exempt from local property taxes.
- Utility Rate Discounts: Some utilities offer discounted rates for energy produced from solar panels.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): These credits can be sold for cash or used for other incentives.
Missouri
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credit: Missouri offers a state tax credit for 25% of the cost of a solar energy system, up to $2,000.
- Net Metering: Missouri allows customers with solar energy systems to sell excess energy they produce back to the utility company.
- Renewable Energy Standard: Missouri has a renewable energy standard, requiring 15% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2021.
- Solar Leasing: Solar leasing makes it easier to install solar panels because it does not require a large up-front investment.
- Property Tax Exemption: Missouri offers a property tax exemption for solar energy systems.
- Grants: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers grants to individuals and businesses for solar energy systems.
- Financing: Financing options are available to help make solar energy systems more affordable.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits: Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) can be sold to utility companies for additional revenue.
Nebraska
Benefits and Incentives:
- Nebraska Solar and Wind Tax Credit: Offers a refundable tax credit for up to 30% of the cost of a solar energy system or wind energy system, up to $10,000
- Nebraska Solar and Wind Rebate Program: Offers a cash rebate of up to $5,000 for the installation of a solar energy system or a wind energy system
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Provides a 30% tax credit on the cost of the solar energy system
- Net Metering: Allows customers to receive a credit on their electricity bills for the excess energy produced by their solar energy system
- Energy Efficient Mortgages: Allows homeowners to finance their solar energy system as part of their home mortgage
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC): Allows homeowners to sell excess energy produced by their solar energy system to their local utility company for extra income
- Property Tax Exemptions: Allows homeowners to be exempt from property taxes on the value of their solar energy system
North Dakota
Benefits and Incentives:
- Federal Tax Credits: Homeowners can receive a 30% federal tax credit for the cost of installing solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: North Dakota’s net metering policy encourages homeowners to install solar systems by allowing them to receive credit on their utility bills for the excess electricity their systems produce.
- State Tax Credits: North Dakota offers income tax credits of up to $2,000 for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Property Tax Exemptions: North Dakota allows homeowners to receive property tax exemptions for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates: Homeowners can receive Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for the electricity their solar panels produce.
- Grants: North Dakota offers grants to homeowners to help offset the cost of installing solar energy systems.
- Loans: North Dakota’s Solar Loan Program provides low-interest loans for the installation of solar energy systems.
Ohio
Benefits and Incentives:
- Ohio offers a renewable energy tax credit that provides a 10 percent credit up to $1,000 for eligible photovoltaic solar and solar thermal systems.
- Ohio has net metering rules that require electric utilities to credit customers for excess electricity produced by their solar energy systems.
- Ohio offers several loan and grant programs for home and business owners to help offset the costs of installing solar energy systems.
- Ohio offers a property tax abatement for residential solar energy systems.
- Ohio allows for virtual net metering, which allows customers to receive credit for electricity their solar system produces, even if they are not using all of the electricity themselves.
- Ohio offers a sales tax exemption for all solar energy equipment.
- Ohio has a renewable energy portfolio standard that requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, such as solar.
South Dakota
Benefits and Incentives:
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar energy systems are exempt from South Dakota property taxes for up to 10 years.
- Net Metering: Utilities must offer net metering to customers with solar systems.
- Sales Tax Exemption: Solar energy systems are exempt from South Dakota sales tax.
- Performance-Based Incentives: South Dakota utilities offer performance-based incentives to customers who install solar PV systems.
- Tax Credits: South Dakota offers a state tax credit worth up to 25% of the cost of a solar energy system, up to $5,000.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): South Dakota utilities are required to purchase Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) from customers who install solar systems.
- Solar Grant Program: South Dakota offers a grant program that provides up to $2,000 for the installation of a residential solar energy system.
Wisconsin
Benefits and Incentives:
- Reduced Electricity Bills: Solar energy systems require minimal maintenance and once installed, they reduce electricity bills.
- Tax Incentives: Tax incentives are available for individuals who install solar energy systems in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Focus on Energy program provides a solar electric rebate of up to 30% of the system’s cost, up to a maximum of $2,500.
- Property Value Increase: Studies show that energy efficient homes can sell for up to 4% more than the market value.
- Improved Home Comfort: Homes with solar energy systems maintain a more even temperature throughout the year, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling.
- Improved Air Quality: Solar energy systems reduce air pollution, as they don’t release any emissions.
- Increased Energy Independence: Solar energy systems allow homeowners to be independent of the grid and rely solely on their own solar energy.
South:
Alabama
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credit: Alabama offers a 25% state tax credit for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Alabama Power customers with solar PV systems up to 25 kW in capacity are required to be offered net metering.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar energy systems are exempt from property taxes in Alabama.
- Utility Rebates: Alabama Power offers a rebate to customers who install eligible solar PV systems.
- Loan Programs: Several loan programs are available in Alabama to help finance residential solar projects.
- Solar Rights: Alabama has a solar access law that protects the right of property owners to install solar energy systems on their property.
- Renewable Energy Credits: Solar owners may be eligible for renewable energy credits, which can be sold to utilities or other entities.
Arkansas
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax credits: The Arkansas Renewable Energy Tax Credit offers a 25 percent tax credit for the purchase of residential solar energy systems.
- Grants: The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) offers residents grants of up to $5,000 to install solar energy systems.
- Net metering: Arkansas offers net metering, which allows customers to sell excess energy they produce back to the utility company.
- Solar leasing: Many solar companies in Arkansas offer solar leasing, which allows customers to lease solar panels with no upfront cost.
- Solar rebates: The Arkansas Renewable Energy Rebate Program provides rebates of up to 10 percent for the purchase of residential solar energy systems.
- Property tax exemptions: Arkansas offers property tax exemptions for solar energy systems.
Florida
Benefits and Incentives:
- State tax credits: Florida offers a one-time tax credit of up to 25% of the cost of the solar energy system, up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Federal tax credits: Homeowners who install a solar energy system are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.
- Net metering: Solar energy systems that are connected to the grid can receive credits for energy sent back to the grid.
- Property tax exemptions: Solar energy systems can be exempt from property taxes in some counties.
- Utility company incentives: Some utility companies offer financial incentives for installing solar energy systems.
- Grants and rebates: Some local governments and non-profit organizations offer grants and rebates for residential solar energy systems.
Georgia
Benefits and Incentives:
- Federal Tax Credit: Georgia residents are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of their solar energy system.
- Georgia Power Solar Buyback Program: Georgia Power customers can receive up to $0.14 per kWh of solar energy they produce and sell back to the grid.
- Georgia Solar Sales Tax Exemption: Solar systems are exempt from Georgia state sales tax.
- Property Tax Exemption: Residents of Georgia are not required to pay property tax on the value of their solar energy systems.
- Renewable Energy Financing: Georgia residents may be eligible for state grants and low-interest loans to help cover the cost of their solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Georgia Power customers with solar energy systems are eligible for net metering, which allows them to receive credits for the excess energy they send back to the grid.
Kentucky
Benefits and Incentives:
- Incentive for 30% of System Cost: The Federal government offers a tax incentive for 30% of the system cost for residential solar projects in Kentucky.
- Net Metering: Kentucky utilities offer net metering, which allows homeowners to receive credit for excess energy produced by their solar system.
- Property Tax Exemption: Solar energy systems are exempt from property taxes in Kentucky.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): SRECs can be sold on the open market, allowing homeowners to recoup some of their investment in a solar system.
- Solar Energy System Tax Credits: Homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to $500 when they install a solar energy system.
- Loan Programs: Homeowners can take advantage of loan programs to finance their solar energy system installations.
Louisiana
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credit: Louisiana residents are eligible for a 25% tax credit for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Louisiana residents have the option to sell excess electricity generated by their solar system back to the grid for a credit, allowing them to offset their energy costs.
- Property Tax Exemption: Louisiana residents may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of the solar energy system installed on their property.
- Solar Rebates: Louisiana residents may be eligible for solar rebates offered by local utilities.
- Solar Performance Payments: Louisiana residents may be eligible for solar performance payments, which are payments based on the amount of energy produced by their solar energy system.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Louisiana residents may be eligible to earn Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for the energy produced by their solar energy system. These certificates can be sold on the open market for additional income.
Mississippi
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax credits: Mississippi offers a renewable energy tax credit for solar energy systems installed at a home or business.
- Net metering: Mississippi is one of many states that offer net metering, which allows customers to be credited for the electricity they produce from their solar energy system.
- Zero down financing: There are numerous financing options available for Mississippi solar customers, including zero down financing.
- Grants and rebates: Mississippi offers several grants and rebates for solar energy systems, such as the Mississippi Renewable Energy Incentive Program and the Mississippi Solar Energy Tax Credit.
- Property tax exemptions: Mississippi offers a property tax exemption for solar energy systems installed at homes or businesses.
- Low-interest loans: Mississippi also offers low-interest loans for solar energy systems.
North Carolina
Benefits and Incentives:
- Reduced electricity bills: Residential solar customers in North Carolina can save money on their electricity bills by using solar energy to power their homes.
- Federal Tax Credit: Homeowners in North Carolina are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit when installing a solar energy system.
- North Carolina Tax Credits: Homeowners in North Carolina can receive up to a 35% state tax credit when they install a solar energy system.
- Carolina Solar Rebates: Homeowners in North Carolina may be eligible for a rebate of up to $6,000 when they install a solar energy system.
- Net Metering: Net metering allows solar customers to send excess electricity generated from their solar energy system back to the grid, earning them credits against their electricity bills.
- Solar Leases: Homeowners in North Carolina can lease solar energy systems, allowing them to avoid the upfront costs of buying a solar energy system.
Oklahoma
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax credits: Oklahoma offers a state tax credit of up to 35% of the cost of a solar energy system, with a maximum credit of $1,500.
- Grants: Oklahoma has a grant program for homeowners who install solar energy systems. The maximum grant is $2,500.
- Net metering: Oklahoma homeowners are eligible for net metering, which allows them to sell excess electricity generated from their solar system back to their utility provider.
- Property tax exemptions: Oklahoma offers a property tax exemption for solar energy systems installed on residential property.
- Low-cost financing: Oklahoma has several low-cost financing options available to homeowners who want to install solar energy systems.
- Rebates: Oklahoma offers a rebate program to homeowners who install solar energy systems. The maximum rebate is $2,500.
South Carolina
Benefits and Incentives:
- Lowered energy bills: Installing solar energy systems on your home can help reduce your monthly energy bills.
- Tax credits and exemptions: South Carolina offers a 25% income tax credit for residential solar energy systems, up to $3,500.
- Net Metering: South Carolina has net metering policies in place, which allows customers to receive credits on their electricity bills for any excess solar energy they produce.
- Solar Rebates: South Carolina offers incentives such as the South Carolina Solar Energy Rebate Program, which provides rebates of up to $3,000 for residential solar installations.
- Property Value Increase: Installing solar energy systems on your home can increase its value.
- Energy Independence: By generating your own energy, you can be independent from the utility company and their rates.
Tennessee
Benefits and Incentives:
- Solar Investment Tax Credit: A 25% tax credit for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems for residential and commercial customers.
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Green Power Providers Program: Offers incentives for residential customers who install solar energy systems and generate a certain amount of energy.
- Tennessee Solar Incentive Program: Provides rebates to residential customers who install solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Allows residential customers with solar energy systems to sell excess electricity generated to their local utility company.
- Property Tax Exemption: Exempts residential customers from paying property taxes on the increased value of their property resulting from the installation of a solar energy system.
- Electrical Rate Incentives: Provides discounted electricity rates for residential customers with solar energy systems.
- Solar Rights Bill: Protects residential customers from any ordinances or regulations that would restrict the installation of solar energy systems on their property.
Texas
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Texas offers homeowners a tax credit of up to $5,000 for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Property Tax Exemption: Homeowners who install solar energy systems may be eligible for property tax exemption.
- Utility Rebates: Many of Texas’ utilities offer rebates for residential solar systems.
- Net Metering: Texas has net metering laws that allow homeowners to receive credits on their utility bills for excess electricity generated by their solar system.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Homeowners who produce solar energy may be able to sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates to their utility company or to other entities.
- Solar Energy Loan Program: The Texas Solar Energy Loan Program allows homeowners to borrow up to $50,000 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to cover the cost of installing solar energy systems.
- Loan Repayment Assistance Program: The Loan Repayment Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners who need help paying back their solar energy loans.
Virginia
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Virginia offers a state tax credit for 25% of the cost of installing a solar energy system, up to $2,000.
- Net Metering: Virginia allows net metering, meaning that customers can earn credits for energy produced by their solar system that can be applied to their electric bills.
- Property Tax Exemptions: In certain localities, residents may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the added value of the solar energy system.
- Loan Programs: Virginia has several loan programs available to residents who want to install solar energy systems.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits: Virginia offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) which can be sold to utilities for a profit.
West Virginia
Benefits and Incentives:
- Federal Tax Credit: West Virginians can receive a federal tax credit of up to 26% of the installed system cost.
- Net Metering: Customers are compensated for the electricity they produce at the same rate they pay for electricity they consume.
- West Virginia Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Customers can purchase solar energy without having to invest in the system directly.
- West Virginia Solar Grant: Customers may apply for grants to help cover the cost of their system.
- West Virginia Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit: Customers can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000 for the installation of a solar system.
- West Virginia Solar Property Tax Exemption: Solar installations are exempt from property taxes.
- West Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Customers can earn SRECs for the renewable energy they produce, which can be sold for additional cash.
West:
Alaska
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Alaska offers a residential tax credit of up to 50 percent of the installed cost of a solar energy system up to $20,000.
- Grants: The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offers grants of up to $10,000 to cover the cost of purchasing and installing a solar energy system.
- Net Metering: Customers that generate their own electricity with solar energy are eligible for net metering, which allows them to receive credits on their utility bills for the power their system produces.
- Renewable Energy Rebates: The Alaska Energy Authority offers rebates of up to $2,500 for the purchase and installation of a solar energy system.
- Solar Leasing: Alaska solar leasing companies offer zero-down lease and financing options for residential solar systems.
- Utility Rebates: Many utilities in Alaska offer rebates for the installation of a solar energy system.
Arizona
Benefits and Incentives:
- Arizona offers a net metering program that allows customers to get credit for excess energy produced by their solar panels.
- Arizona has a renewable energy tax credit of up to $1,000 that can be used to offset the cost of a residential solar system.
- Arizona offers a property tax exemption for solar systems, which can save homeowners up to $5,000 over 25 years.
- The state also has a solar rebate program that offers up to $2,000 in rebates for solar energy systems.
- Arizona’s utility companies offer energy efficiency programs that can help customers save even more money on their electric bills.
- Federal tax credits are also available that can reduce the cost of installing a solar system by up to 30%.
California
Benefits and Incentives:
- Net Metering: California utilities are required to offer net metering, which allows customers to receive credit for any excess electricity generated by their solar systems.
- Tax Credits & Incentives: California offers several state and federal tax credits, grants, and incentives for residential solar installations.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): California’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) program allows solar owners to earn money for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy they generate.
- Property Tax Exemptions: California offers property tax exemptions for solar systems.
- Solar Water Heating: California offers incentives for the installation of solar water heating systems.
- Solar Energy Loan Program: California’s Solar Energy Loan Program provides financing for consumers who want to install a solar system.
- Solar Rights Act: California’s Solar Rights Act protects the rights of homeowners and businesses to install solar systems.
- Solar Financing: California offers several financing options for solar systems, including PACE loans, home equity loans, and solar leases.
Colorado
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Colorado offers a state tax credit of up to $3,000 for residential solar installations.
- Solar Rebates: Colorado offers a solar rebate of up to $2,000 for residential solar systems.
- Net Metering: Colorado allows net metering, which allows customers to receive credit on their electricity bills for excess energy they generate that they don’t use.
- Property Tax Exemptions: In Colorado, residential solar installations are exempt from property taxes.
- Utility Rate Discounts: Utilities in Colorado offer discounted rates for customers who install solar.
- Solar Grants: Colorado offers solar grants for low-income households to help offset the cost of installing solar.
- Solar Loans: Colorado offers solar loans to help homeowners finance their solar installations.
- Solar Lease Programs: Colorado offers solar lease programs that allow homeowners to lease solar systems with no upfront costs.
Hawaii
Benefits and Incentives:
- Substantial Tax Credits: Hawaii offers an 35% state income tax credit for residential solar energy systems.
- Generous Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Hawaii offers a generous SREC program that pays customers up to $0.20 per kWh produced by their solar energy system.
- Net Metering: Hawaii offers net metering, which allows customers to be credited for the excess energy their solar energy system produces and sends back to the utility grid.
- Solar Hot Water Grants: Hawaii offers grants of up to $2,500 for the installation of solar hot water systems.
- Solar Photovoltaic System Grants: Hawaii offers grants of up to $5,000 for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems.
- Zero-Down Solar Financing: Hawaii offers zero-down solar financing for qualified homeowners.
- Solar Purchase Power Agreements: Hawaii offers solar purchase power agreements, which allow customers to purchase solar energy at a discounted rate.
Idaho
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits and Incentives: Idaho offers a state tax credit of up to 10% of the cost of the solar system, with a maximum of $1,500.
- Net Metering: Idaho’s net metering law allows residential customers to receive credits on their electric bills for the excess energy their solar power system generates.
- Grants: There are several grants available to help offset the cost of solar installation in Idaho, including the Idaho Solar Incentive Program, the Idaho Solar Energy Program, and the Idaho Solar Thermal Incentive Program.
- Utility Rebates: Some of Idaho’s utilities offer rebates for solar installations in order to encourage customers to invest in clean, renewable energy sources.
- Power Purchase Agreements: A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between a homeowner and a solar energy provider, which allows the homeowner to purchase solar energy from the provider at a fixed rate. This can be a great way to reduce energy costs and invest in solar.
Montana
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Exemption: Montana homeowners who install solar systems are exempt from paying property taxes on the added value to their home.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Montana homeowners can earn a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for each Megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy produced by their solar system.
- Net Metering: Montana utilities allow homeowners with solar systems to receive full retail credit for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.
- Grants: Montana homeowners can apply for grants from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to help cover the cost of installing a solar system.
- Loans: Montana homeowners can apply for loans from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to help cover the cost of installing a solar system.
- Low Interest Financing: Montana homeowners can apply for low-interest financing from their local utility to help cover the cost of installing a solar system.
Nevada
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Nevada offers a state tax credit of up to $5,000 for the installation of solar energy systems.
- Rebates: Nevada’s SolarGenerations Rebate Program offers rebates of up to $3,000 for residential solar installations.
- Net Metering: Net metering allows customers to receive credits for excess energy generated by their solar system that is sent back to the grid.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Nevada residents can receive SRECs for each megawatt hour of energy produced by their solar system.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Nevada offers property tax exemptions for solar energy systems.
- Solar Leases and Power Purchase Agreements: Nevada has several solar financing options that allow homeowners to get solar energy systems without having to pay the full cost up front.
New Mexico
Benefits and Incentives:
- Reduced electricity bills: New Mexico residents can save money on their electricity bills with net metering, a policy that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
- Tax credits: New Mexico offers solar energy system owners a 25% tax credit on the total cost of the system.
- Grants: New Mexico’s Solar Market Development Tax Credit Program provides grants to homeowners and businesses that install solar energy systems.
- Renewable Energy Credits: Solar energy system owners in New Mexico can earn Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity they produce.
- Property tax exemptions: The state of New Mexico exempts solar energy systems from property taxes.
- Low-interest loans: The New Mexico Finance Authority offers low-interest loans to homeowners who install solar energy systems.
Oregon
Benefits and Incentives:
- State tax credit: Oregon offers a state tax credit for up to $6,000 for residential solar energy systems.
- Federal tax credit: Oregon homeowners can also receive a federal tax credit for up to 30% of the cost of the solar energy system.
- Renewable Energy Certificate (REC): Oregon homeowners who install solar panels may receive a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) for each unit of electricity produced. These certificates can be sold to other entities in order to generate additional revenue.
- Net metering: Oregon offers net metering, which allows homeowners to sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to their utility company.
- Property tax exemption: The installation of a solar energy system may qualify for an exemption from property tax in Oregon.
- Solarize Oregon: The Solarize Oregon initiative offers reduced costs for the installation of solar energy systems across the state.
Utah
Benefits and Incentives:
- State Tax Credits: Utah provides a state tax credit of 25% of the cost of the solar installation, up to a maximum of $2,000.
- Federal Tax Credits: Homeowners in Utah can claim a credit of up to 26% of the cost of solar installation on their federal tax returns.
- Utility Incentives: Rocky Mountain Power offers a Production Incentive Program that pays solar customers in Utah for the energy they produce.
- Net Metering: Utah’s net metering policy allows homeowners to receive a credit on their utility bill for the excess energy their solar system produces.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC): Homeowners in Utah can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy their solar system produces.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Homeowners in Utah can receive a property tax exemption for the value of their solar system.
- Solar Financing Programs: Financial institutions in Utah offer a variety of solar financing options to help homeowners pay for their solar system.
Washington
Benefits and Incentives:
- Tax Incentives: Washington state offers a sales tax exemption for solar energy systems.
- Investment Tax Credit: Washington offers a 35 percent income tax credit for solar energy systems.
- Production Incentives: Washington offers a Production Incentive of $0.15 per kWh for residential solar systems.
- Net Metering: Residents who install solar panels are eligible for net metering, which allows them to receive credit for excess electricity generated.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Property taxes are waived for solar energy systems.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates: Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are issued for each megawatt hour (MWh) of solar energy produced and can be sold to utilities.
- Solarize Program: The Solarize Program provides incentives and discounts for solar energy systems.
Wyoming
Benefits and Incentives:
- Property Tax Exemption: Residential solar systems in Wyoming are exempt from property taxes.
- Sales Tax Exemption: Wyoming offers a sales tax exemption on solar energy systems.
- Net Metering: Customers in Wyoming with solar systems installed on their property receive credit on their utility bill for any excess electricity generated from the system and exported to the grid.
- Federal Tax Credit: Solar customers in Wyoming are eligible for a 26% federal tax credit on the total cost of their solar system.
- Grants: The Wyoming Business Council provides grants for the installation of solar systems up to $50,000 for businesses and up to $20,000 for residential systems.
- Loan Programs: The Wyoming Community Development Authority offers loan programs for the installation of solar systems.
- Utility Rebates: Some utilities in Wyoming offer rebates on solar systems installed on residential properties.
Related Posts:
