With the green revolution in full swing, renewable energy has become much more enticing for many homeowners. The investment in solar power for your home is a high upfront cost. A single solar panel costs an average of $16,000. However, the 2023 solar tax credit may help offset that cost.
The government is offering significant tax credits to entice homeowners to start producing renewable energy. The drive to go green can be a rewarding investment in your future. There are benefits to installing solar panels on the federal, state, and local levels. With a powerful tax incentive to invest in solar panels, it may be worth considering for your home.
The Investment in Solar Power
Installing solar panels is no small feat. Depending on the type and model of solar panels, the venture could cost up to $35,000 per panel. For the average homeowner, investing in renewable energy may be attractive but not affordable. Of course, every situation is different. With the government’s solar power tax credits, the solar panels’ cost could be somewhat offset.
If you’re considering switching to solar power, several factors must be considered. Before diving in, you may want to think about the following elements:
- Your budget
- Your average cost of utilities annually
- What type of solar panel do you want?
- Your current environmental footprint
- Which solar panels are the best investment for your home/area?
- The space needed for a solar energy system
- Will your home be able to take full advantage of a solar energy system?
- The geographical location of your home
As you weigh your options for solar panels, consider every angle. If you decide solar energy is a suitable investment for you, there are tax credits and incentives to make the switch.
Is Solar Power the Best Option for Your Home?
You have many options for renewable energy sources. However, solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most popular at-home solutions. The solar power industry has grown rapidly.
If your home and budget are well suited for solar panels, it may be the right move for your home. If the benefits outweigh the cost, it may be worth looking into installing solar panels in your home. Solar panels have the following potential benefits:
- Increases your home value
- Stabilizes cost of utilities
- Self-sustainability
- Preparedness for electrical outages and disasters
- Local, state, and Federal incentives
- Smaller environmental footprint
Economic factors are among many other elements when considering solar energy. However, the government has many incentives to make the switch to solar.
How Does a Federal Solar Tax Credit Work?
A federal tax credit reduces your taxable income. This inducement from the Federal Government can significantly lower your tax bill. A tax credit is different from deductibles or exemptions. With the tax credit, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your taxable income. This amount can significantly impact the taxes you owe at the end of the year.
In 2006, the Federal Government instituted the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Purchasing a solar energy system qualifies you for a percentage off your tax credit. The ITC for systems installed in the tax years 2022 through 2032 will be 30% of the system’s cost. For systems installed in 2020 through 2022, the ITC provides 26%. The significant reduction in taxable income may persuade many homeowners to install a solar photovoltaic system.
When you claim the federal solar tax credit, it’s important to understand exactly what to expect. As you file your taxes, bear in mind the following factors:
- A tax credit is not a tax refund: The tax credit only reduces your taxable income. It is not an assured refund or even a refunded amount. Although a tax credit may contribute to the amount you receive back in a refund, it is not the refund itself.
- You can only claim a solar tax credit once: You will only be allowed to claim the solar tax credit One time. This is not a reoccurring or renewable break on your income taxes.
- Your tax credit can roll over: If the amount you owe in taxes is less than the tax credit you receive, your tax credit can roll over to the following year.
The tax credit may be a powerful incentive to switch to solar energy. However, you must meet the qualifications to claim the credit on your income taxes.
How to Qualify for the Solar Tax Credit
You must follow specific parameters to qualify for the federal solar tax credit. Your system must have been installed or used for the first time between 2006 and 2023. Furthermore, you must be the owner of the solar system to qualify. Renting or leasing a system will not make you eligible for the ITC. As it is a federal tax credit from the United States government, the system is required to be located within the United States. Systems outside the United States do not qualify for the tax credit, even for American citizens.
The system must be in your primary or secondary residence to qualify for the solar tax credit. This residence must be located within the United States. Offsite community solar projects are also generally eligible to receive the ITC.
Keep in mind the ITC requires specific systems in order to qualify. To receive the tax credit, you must install either a solar water heater or a solar photovoltaic system. The systems must be installed within a United States residential property.
What Expenses Does the Solar Tax Credit Include?
The ITC covers more than just the cost of solar panels alone. When preparing to claim your tax credit, you will need to include the cost of the following related expenses:
- Solar photovoltaic panels or photovoltaic cells
- The cost of contractor labor
- Site preparation costs
- Batteries and other energy storage devices are used for the system. (Must have a rating of 3 KW to qualify)
- Complementary systems installed for solar energy or solar water heaters
- Sales tax associated with eligible expenses
When you consider the additional costs associated with installing solar energy systems, the tax credit you receive could increase. When you make your claim, include all the eligible costs.
Other Incentives for Solar Energy
There are other levels of incentives to go solar. State-specific and local incentives may apply to your area. These additional encouragements to go solar can come as rebates and payments. Here are some possible inducements:
- State tax credit: Like the federal tax, certain states offer a tax credit for installing renewable energy systems. Be aware a state tax credit could affect your federal taxes and vice versa.
- Rebates from your electric utility provider: You could receive a rebate from your utility company for installing a solar energy system.
- Payments from your utility provider for excess electricity: Municipal providers may offer payment for additional electricity your solar system generates. Provided you sell additional electricity back to you this utility provider, you could receive compensation appropriate for the energy you provide.
- Payment for renewable energy certificates: Sources other than your utility company may pay you for the renewable energy you produce. However, this income is considered taxable in most circumstances.
- Rebates from state government: Rebates from your state government do not reduce your federal tax credit. You may receive a one-time rebate from your state government for installing your solar power system.
- Environmental incentives: When installing a solar energy system, you are stepping towards renewable energy. This can help both the environment and your economic footprint.
- Less dependence on local utilities: Solar panels produce your own energy. When you install a solar power system, you will have less dependence on your local utilities for electricity.
There are many reasons why you may want to go solar. With the monetary incentives and environmental reasons, it may be worth considering for your home.
Is the Solar Tax Credit Worth it?
Monetarily speaking, your personal finances will help you determine if the solar tax credit is worth it. If you are planning on installing solar panels for your home anyways, taking advantage of the ITC is a no-brainer. However, if your sole reason for installing a solar energy system is to receive the tax credit, you should consider the costs and benefits before committing.
Naturally, there are other reasons for wanting to go solar. Environmental benefits, economic benefits, and personal preferences need to be considered. For many homeowners, switching to solar energy or a solar water heater may be a personal decision based on non-monetary factors.
Stay in the Know in the World of Energy with Shale Magazine
Shale Magazine is your source for the straight facts on the energy world. We provide the inside knowledge and reliable resources our readers need to stay abreast of the goings on in the energy industry. We dig deep into the subterranean levels of intel to provide expert knowledge from trustworthy sources. You can rely on us to do all the leg work and provide impactful information.
Check out our latest issues or follow our award-winning podcast, In the Oil Patch, for more insights into the wide world of energy.
