Which 11 States Get Free Solar Panels: Eligibility and Programs Explained (2024)

This article outlines the eligibility criteria and programs across various states that offer free solar panels to residents.

Key takeaways:

Solar panels are not typically free from the government.
Government programs offer financial incentives for solar installation.
State and local incentives include net metering, tax credits, and rebates.
Steps to claim the solar tax credit: ensure eligibility, calculate credit amount, complete IRS form, add to tax return, carry over unused credits.
Solar incentives vary by state, including net metering, tax credits, and property tax exemptions.

What Are Free Solar Panels?

Which 11 States Get Free Solar Panels: Eligibility and Programs Explained (1)

Free solar panels typically refer to solar power systems installed at no upfront cost to the homeowner. Instead of a purchase, companies offer a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or solar lease, where they install the panels on your property and you agree to purchase the electricity generated at a reduced rate.

Can You Get Free Solar Panels From the Government?

While the idea of completely free solar panels is appealing, the reality is that government programs typically don’t offer solar panels at no cost. Instead, they provide financial incentives to reduce the overall cost of solar installation. These incentives may come in the form of tax credits, rebates, or grants.

One major federal incentive is the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. This credit is applied to the income taxes you owe for the year the system was installed. Additionally, some states supplement the ITC with their own credits and rebates, further lowering the upfront cost.

Moreover, many local governments and utility companies offer rebates or credits for solar panel installation, contingent upon meeting certain criteria. These programs aim to encourage solar adoption and make the switch to solar power more financially accessible to homeowners.

Remember, while these incentives do not equate to free solar panels, they significantly decrease the financial burden of solar energy systems, thus offering a more affordable avenue to harness solar power.

State & Local Incentives For Solar Energy

State and local governments play a crucial role in promoting solar energy adoption through various incentive programs. These programs often aim to reduce the initial investment cost of installing solar panels, making them more accessible to homeowners and businesses.

Here are some key points regarding these incentives:

Net Metering: This policy allows solar panel users to sell excess electricity back to the grid, offsetting the cost of power drawn from the utility.
Rebate Programs: Some states offer direct rebates for solar panel installation, which lower upfront costs significantly.
Property Tax Exemptions: Solar installations can increase property value, but many states exempt this added value from property taxes.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): In certain states, solar panel owners can earn SRECs for the electricity their system generates, which can be sold to utilities.
Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs): These incentives provide regular payments based on the amount of electricity generated by a solar system.
Financing Options: Low-interest loan programs and PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing can make going solar more financially feasible.

These incentives vary by location, and it’s important to research and understand the specific offerings in your state.

How To Claim Solar Tax Credit

To claim the solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), follow these steps:

Ensure Eligibility: The ITC is available for both residential and commercial systems, but installation must be at a primary or secondary residence in the U.S. and the taxpayer must own the system.

Determine the Credit Amount: Calculate 26% of the cost of buying and installing the solar system. This percentage applies to systems installed between 2020 and 2022; the credit reduces to 22% for systems installed in 2023.

Complete IRS Form 5695: Fill out Form 5695, ‘Residential Energy Credits,’ to determine your credit amount. Add the solar panel expenses to the total on your form.

Add to Tax Return: Include the bottom-line amount from Form 5695 on Form 1040, which is your individual tax return form.

Carry Over Unused Credits: If your tax credit exceeds your tax liability, you can carry over the remaining credits to the following tax year.

It is recommended to consult a tax professional to navigate the specific details of your situation and to ensure you receive the maximum benefit available.

Solar Incentives By State

Solar incentives vary significantly by state, each shaped by local policies and energy demands. In some states, incentives can be so substantial that they can offset the initial cost of solar system installation substantially. When researching options, it’s important to familiarize oneself with the specific offerings in one’s area.

Key points to consider in state solar incentives include:

Net Metering Programs: Many states allow homeowners to sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid, effectively reducing their utility bills.
State Tax Credits: In addition to the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), some states provide their own tax credits for solar energy, potentially leading to significant savings.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): In states with SREC markets, homeowners can earn certificates for the electricity their systems generate and sell them to utility companies.
Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs): Certain states offer incentives based on the actual kWh of electricity produced by solar panels.
Rebates: Some states, local governments, and utilities offer upfront rebates that reduce the system’s cost right at the purchase.
Property Tax Exemptions: Installing solar panels may increase property value, but in some states, that increase is exempt from additional property taxes.
Sales Tax Exemptions: To reduce the upfront cost burden, several states exclude solar systems from sales tax calculations.

Before investing in solar panels, review and consult with local solar energy programs to ensure you get maximum benefits tailored to your state. This will also confirm whether there are specific requirements to qualify such as using certified equipment or contractors. Consider these incentives as a way to make sustainable energy more accessible and to lower the barrier for entry into renewable energy usage.