New Incentives Make Solar Panels Cheaper Than Ever

A wave of new state incentives are making it easier than ever to purchase a home solar system. Where cost was once the biggest obstacle to solar, that is quickly changing thanks to state rebates and funding options.

In states like New Jersey, for example, homeowners can take advantage of:

• 30% of the cost paid for by state rebates
• 100% depreciation tax credit
• Sale of excess energy back to the utility

Or consider going solar in Iowa, where the Sentate today approved a $10 million tax credit for residential solar and wind energy installations.

Your state will most likely help you go solar

It’s simply a question of how much. Here’s how to find out:

1. Get an estimate for your home by clicking here. The less energy you consume, the fewer panels you’ll need to buy.
2. Select your state on this rebate list, and read the programs for solar assistance. In California you have an array of options, from the PV Incentives to Solar Water Heating Program.
3. Apply for all rebate and incentive programs available to you. Combined with federal incentives, many homeowners cut 50% of their costs right off the bat.
4. Ask your solar contractor about any additional programs you may have missed. They’ll know best which state, region or city incentives you qualify for. Don’t have a solar contractor yet? Find a local one here.

Or look into solar leasing for no upfront costs

Solar leasing programs are becoming more and more popular across the country. They typically offer low monthly payments, solar panel maintenance, monitoring of your system 24/7, and guaranteed power output.

Sungevity, which I also wrote about here, guarantees that your panels produce a certain amount of energy, or they simply pay you the difference. It’s business models like these that bring solar to the masses.

Have questions about solar incentives or leasing programs? Let me know in the comments.

Photo via California Solar Installation

Posted on April 5th in Solar Funding by Brittany.