Solar Power Incentives and Rebates
As a matter of policy, these days, federal and state governments are prioritising the promotion and adoption of sources of renewable energy through using cash rebates and tax incentives. Solar energy is one of the key players in the renewable energy market and as such, the incentives are aggressive.
What follows is a summary of a variety of solar incentives on offer to the consumer.
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Federal Tax Incentives
The key method the U.S. government utilizes in order to support the use of solar power is that of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows individuals to deduct 26 percent (from their federal taxes) of the price of a solar system by way of a tax credit.
For individuals or businesses who regularly invest in renewable energy technologies, recapturing the cost of any investment can be done by way of a tax credit through direct reduction of the federal income tax liability.
ITC’s are the principal mechanism for the U.S. government to incentivize the adoption of clean energy, and it will be effective until December 31, 2022. The main proponents of the law include:
- 26% tax credit against the cost of solar energy systems and installations
- An ability to offset liability for alternative minimum tax (AMT)
- May carry any tax credits that are unused over to the next tax year
- No maximum on the dollar amount of tax credit for renewable energy installations
It’s worth noting that if you receive a state rebate as well as federal tax credit, the amount of rebate will be subject to deduction based on how the ITC is calculated.
State Tax Incentive and Rebate Programs
Click here for specific Massachusetts incentives
The adoption of solar energy is being encouraged across the United States through the use of state-governed programs. Listed below are the most important types of incentives offered in Massachusetts. Do note that incentives change often.
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit
If you purchase a home solar system in Massachusetts you can use a 15% state solar tax credit. There's a maximum $1,000 state tax reduction.
SMART program
The SMART program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) offers a compensation per kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced by the solar system.
Property Tax Exemption
This tax exemption incentive is set up to ensure that the addition of a solar energy system to a home has no effect on the amount of annual property taxes. Thus, regardless the installation of an energy system adds value to the home, the full value added will not be subject to tax.
State Rebates
These rebates may be offered as a one-time payment or as an ongoing installment over a certain number of years. They are administered by various agencies around the country and the rebate is generally a calculation based on a system’s capacity. The California Solar Initiative is the best known state rebate program.
State Loans
A number of states provide loans for renewable energy program installations as well as energy efficiency improvements. The loans attract lower interest rates than are standard and may also have other favorable terms attached.
State Grants
Grants are also available although they are not as common as other methods of reductions on the cost of renewable energy installations and improvements.
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Utility and Municipality Programs
Federal and state incentivized programs are not the only way to encourage home owners and businesses to employ sources of renewable energy.
Most states have some utility and municipality programs available, although California and Oregon have the most.
The best way to find out what is currently available in your area is to visit the DSIRE website (www.dsireusa.org/) .
Solar Financing
Solar energy installation still remains a sizeable investment for most people, regardless it has become far more cost-effective over the past decade. In order to make it a more viable option, there are many leasing and financing alternatives. With the latest opportunities to fund installation
projects, it’s now possible to pay in the same way you would when financing the purchase of a house, and arguably the best part Solar Power Tax Incentives & Tax Creditsof it is, in many cases the monthly payments are in fact less than the amount that can be saved on the electricity
bill.
Financing Options
There are a few financing options available to you if you prefer to explore this avenue. You need to have good credit standing in order to avail of any of the following.
Home Loan or Home Equity Credit
This type of loan is very similar to a home loan. Before offering a loan however, credit history of the applicant will be assessed and the financer may have some prerequisites such as the installment remaining a permanent attachment to the house. That way it can be treated as a secured loan which is cheaper.
Installer Loan
Financing programs are now being offered by solar energy installers who have partnered up with third-party loan providers. This can act as a selling point in order for one installer to win business over another. Upon installation, repayments are made to the lender rather than to the installer.
State or Municipal Loan
These types of loans are generally cheaper than bank and installer loans. Nevertheless, the approval process can be lengthy and the requirements to obtain such a loan can be rather restrictive.
Solar Lease
A solar lease is in effect a way to rent solar panels for the home. All you have to do is to agree to pay the lease back to a third party lessor. The lessor also may agree to pay for regular maintenance and panel cleaning.
