Have you heard about all the support solar power is getting from the government lately? It’s pretty cool, as solar power is the best renewable energy source, especially with the urgent need for climate action. And the government is offering solar incentives to make it more accessible. Let us break it down for you.

Source: abandonian 

Solar Incentives in the USA

In the United States, several solar incentives are available for people, businesses, and solar batteries. The three basic solar incentives are tax credits, rebates, and performance-based incentives. The cost of solar panels can be returned up to 30% by the federal renewable energy tax credit in the year after installation, which is the most important solar incentive. President Joe Biden signed The Inflation Reduction Act into law in 2022 and extended tax breaks for solar energy through 2034. This implies that the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit will remain at 30% until 2032.

Many states provide local solar incentives in addition to the federal tax credit. Most solar incentives require the buyer to own a solar system. Installing solar panels before the end of 2024 will free you from paying extra property taxes. Solar panels and associated solar equipment are free from sales and use tax in California.

What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

The federal solar tax credit is a type of ITC (investment tax credit). It is an incentive designed to encourage investment in a project that the government wishes to promote. The credit can be used to pay expenditures like equipment and installation, but it does not apply to structural work done only to support panels. In some circumstances, the solar tax credit can be paired with state incentives and utility-funded renewable energy programs.

Federal Solar Incentives For Commercial Properties

• Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Commercial property owners can get up to 26 % cost reduction on solar panel systems from their federal taxes in the year the system is installed.
• Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System: The cost of a commercial solar panel system can be depreciated over a shorter period.
• Federal Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC): A tax credit is offered for every kilowatt-hour of electricity a solar panel system produces during its first decade of operation.
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: A federal grant program is available to assist commercial properties in making energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing solar panels.
• Federal Property Leasing for Renewable Energy: Commercial property owners can earn rent by leasing their land or rooftops to solar developers.

To acquire the most up-to-date and accurate information on federal solar incentives for commercial properties in the United States, contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) will be wise.

Also Read: Solar Energy Tax Credit: Powering Savings In The US