How to Get Free Solar Panels from the Government in 2023

How to Get Free Solar Panels from the Government in 2023

By Renogy marketing team
Renogy marketing team
renogys blog Mar 27th 2023

For most U.S. homeowners, installing solar panels sounds great until they realize the hefty price tag attached - upwards of $35,000 - a price that is out of reach for most families. And yet, despite this, 75% of homeowners would install solar if the cost wasn't a factor. That's why the U.S. government is trying to incentivize solar. But is it possible to get free solar panels from the government?

With certain Federal, State and Local government solar incentive programs available, it is possible to get low-cost solar panels from the government. These incentives help offset the cost of installing solar systems and allow homeowners to save money when switching to solar. 

Ready to find out what solar incentive programs are available and how to get solar panels from government free and save money on going solar? Keep reading to find out. 

Table of contents:


How to Get Solar Panels from Government Free?

Everyone dreams of getting government free solar panels for home or a commercial property, but it’s nowhere near as simple as that. Actually, there’s no such thing as free solar panels from the government, but various incentives and programs can reduce the installation cost of solar systems. 

You can get incentivized solar paneling from the federal government, state government, and even some cities.  Federal Initiatives The most well-known federal incentive for solar energy is the Federal investment tax credit (ITC)for photovoltaic, solar heating and cooling, and concentrating solar energy systems. This credit was enacted in 2006 and runs until December 31st, 2023. To qualify, individuals must own their solar system, meet the credit criteria and complete paperwork and verification.  State Initiatives States also offer a variety of incentive programs to encourage individuals to switch to solar energy. Solar paneling incentives from the state government can be grants, loans, tax refunds and rebates. Generally, States with little sunshine and very low electricity rates typically offer better incentives for solar than states with more sunshine and high electricity rates.

In New Jersey, an average-size solar system can earn $650 the first year the system is installed under a free government solar panel program called Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI). Meanwhile, New Mexico residents save thousands of dollars on their solar panel installations under the New Mexico solar tax credit, also known as the New Solar Market Development Tax Credit. Texas residents have several local solar panel rebates and incentives (learn more in Are Solar Panels Worth It In Texas?). New York also offers a community solar subscription program called Solar for All, which offers participants up to $15 a month in savings.

Community solar initiatives like ‘Solar for All’ in New York allow several households to collaborate and form a "solar garden" of shared solar panels to provide energy to the members’ residences.

For more, you may have a look at this article - How Does The Solar Tax Credit Work? Other Initiatives In addition to the federal and state governments, some cities offer upfront rebates for people who install solar panels. These city-level initiatives are available across the U.S. and are specifically tailored to the individual municipality. Before taking advantage of these programs, it is important to research the exact details of the program as they vary widely from city to city.  

By taking advantage of the various government incentives available, you can get solar panels from the government at a reduced cost. Remember that all of these incentives have different criteria and paperwork involved, so it is important to research to ensure you are eligible for the program and understand the application process. 

Reasons why the U.S. Government Introduced Solar Incentives Programs

Indeed, solar has quickly become the toast of communities eager to live greener and reap the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy generation. But why did the U.S. Government introduce free solar panels government programs, and what are they meant to achieve?

Firstly, solar incentive programs help owners recoup their system costs over a reasonable period. For commercial customers, the recoup period is five years, while residential customers have a span of 10 years. This helps reduce the risk associated with the cost and encourages more people to switch to solar. 

Another aim of the program is to encourage efficient solar system designs. Performance-based incentives (PBIs) are used to encourage the design of systems that have peak energy production. This encourages solar system owners to proactively install, manage and maintain their systems.  

Finally, these incentives help to jumpstart and support a vibrant local solar industry. Firstly, subsidies and tax incentives make it more affordable for people to transition to solar. This increases sales volume and consequently contributes to more competition in the local markets. Thus, it helps to drive down the cost of installation even further. 

The U.S. Government’s introduction of Solar Incentive programs has some formidable benefits that can help make the transition to solar easier and more profitable. Ultimately, the incentives are all geared towards ensuring a greener and brighter energy future, something we can all get behind.

Where to Get Information About Solar Panels Incentives and Rebates

Reducing energy bills and having the sun power your home may sound appealing. But the hoops you need to jump through to get incentives and cut installation costs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get reliable and accurate information about solar panel incentives and rebates. 

One of the most comprehensive and up-to-date sources is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DESIRE), which provides a comprehensive list of solar incentives and policies by state. Not only is it regularly updated with information, but it also provides detailed guidance on each policy and incentive.  

Another great resource for information about solar incentives is the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) partner SolarReviews. They feature a resource page for solar incentives, including state-by-state solar data updates. The page breaks down incentives by incentives by state, tax credits, and other financing programs. 

Finally, nothing beats speaking to your installer directly. Not only can your installer provide you with the most up-to-date information on solar incentives in your area, but they can also explain how those incentives can apply to your specific project. 

Where to buy solar panels?

It may not be possible to get free solar panels from the government, but the solar market in the U.S. has grown leaps and bounds in 2023. Thanks to local solar companies, you can save big with no down payments and low monthly installments. On top of that, you also benefit from lower energy costs in the long run, Investment Tax Credits, and doing your bit for the environment! So turn on the modules to start reaping solar savings today!

When it comes to “ where to buy solar panels”, Renogy is a good place to start. There are also home-used solar panels from Renogy, rating at 320 watts, 450 watts, and 550 watts, as well as large-scale home energy storage solutions like the Lycan 5000 power box which offers a 4.8kWh capacity, which is expandable. Explore the access to solar energy in various kinds of ways with affordable solar products from Renogy now.  


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