Tax Credits and Rebates

Solar Tax Credits and Rebates

A large pool with solar panels on the roof.

As a homeowner in Florida, you’re in a prime location to harness the abundant power of Solar Energy Savings. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), can make this switch to renewable energy even more appealing. 

 

The Solar Tax Credit is a federal initiative established in 2005 that allows homeowners to deduct a portion of their solar PV installation costs from their federal taxes. This policy is designed to encourage the growth of renewable energy across the country. Here’s a closer look at what this means for Florida homeowners, based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy:

In addition to drastically reducing your electric bill, the federal government will help you pay for it! You can receive up to 30% in fact with a Solar PV System.

Eligibility for the Tax Credit:

To be eligible for the Solar Tax Credit, you must own your home and the solar PV system. Your solar PV system needs to have been installed between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2034. If you’re leasing your solar system, you’re not eligible for this tax credit. Furthermore, the system must be new and installed on your primary residence.

Claiming Your Solar Energy Savings:

Claiming your Solar Energy Savings Tax Credit involves a few steps. You must first verify your eligibility, then calculate the credit based on the current percentage of your solar PV system’s cost. The next step is to fill out IRS Form 5695, ‘Residential Energy Credits,’ and include the result when you file your federal tax return.

Remember, while this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Solar Tax Credit, you should always consult with a tax professional to understand how this tax credit applies to your specific circumstances. Harnessing Florida’s sunshine for renewable energy not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a more sustainable future.

Here is the link to download form 5695: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.

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Based on 105 reviews
David Malis
David Malis
Admittedly, I rarely (never) write reviews. However, my exceptional experience with Randy Wilkens, owner of Affordable Solar Services, merits an Internet review. Please tolerate my lengthy back-story. Almost exactly a year ago, in conjunction with getting my concrete tile roof replaced, I was introduced to a “national” solar company, “Powur”, that seemed to provide a turn-key solution for installing a solar system in conjunction with my roof replacement. What an absolute mistake and, in retrospect, shame on me. They had a very slick sales presentation and, once contracted, my project was turned over to “a very experienced Project Manager”. I had several concerns regarding the solar project to include my new very expensive concrete tile roof and my lightning rod system (which had saved our house two years previously when our house was struck). Despite multiple conference calls that I coordinated with the Powur Project Manager, Roofer, and Powur’s local solar installer --- yes, they subcontract the installation --- Powur’s local installer did not install the brackets correctly and the only way to remedy this was to replace the affected portions of my new roof --- to an estimated cost of over $85,000. Powur refused to accept responsibility for their subcontractor’s error and effectively walked away from the project. So, to salvage this fiasco, I vetted several well-established, local, solar companies and all but one refused to take on the project. That one was Randy Wickens, owner of Affordable Solar Services. Randy came to my house, evaluated what the Powur solar subcontractor had done, and identified how he could take the project across the finish line. I wish I had been more diligent in selecting a solar company at the outset. At our initial meeting, it was immediately apparent that Randy knew what he was doing --- not in a pompous, arrogant, self-aggrandizing way --- but in a matter-of-fact manner from his years of experience in the industry. Additionally, Randy was going to be the guy I would be dealing with…no sales guy, no project manager, no site foreman…Randy clearly “owned” this project. I wish it was smooth sailing after that, it wasn’t, but not because of Randy. The project plans needed to be revised by a new engineer for review and approval by my local jurisdiction’s planning and permitting authority which eventually went well. However, when the inspector came back after the installation, he would not approve the “final” and wanted me to remove multiple tiles to confirm compliance with the previously approved plans. Randy then worked tirelessly and diligently to navigate this new hurdle and kept me informed on a daily basis---even through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. We finally passed our inspection, and I can only truly say that this occurred due to Randy’s persistence. The last step was to get FPL’s final approval and, there too, Randy needed to navigate some problematic issues that Powur had created to get my project finally approved. I am now up and running and generating electricity!!! In summary, I wish I had been diligent at the outset and hired Affordable Solar Services instead. So, if you are in Brevard or Indian River counties and are contemplating solar panels, save yourself the aggravation and hire a local, experienced, team and go with Affordable Solar Services.
JohnAndJulie Fazio
JohnAndJulie Fazio
Randy and his team were very professional at all times from our original phone contact to the final tweaks to our new solar electric and hot water system including a battery backup system. Randy walked us through the full process and expectations before we signed anything. Even when it took us time to really consider the benefits and the financial impacts on our pocketbook both short and long term. Randy's professionalism and knowledge had a lot to do with our investment comfort and our decision. The install team made sure we understood as much of the system as we cared to (we are 2 engineers that wanted to know everything) including the phone application to monitor our solar system. There were some minor software issues requiring repeated contacts with the manufacturer. Randy's team took care of everything and kept us informed of status at all stages. It has been 4 months since our install and we are completely satisfied. We know Randy and Affordable Solar are there should we encounter any issues in the future. We highly recommend Affordable Solar!
John Zarski
John Zarski
First let me say that Randy made a deal with a handshake, & honored a great deal. Also what amazed me the most was that Randy and his staff were all Friendly, Courteous, Prompt, & Knowledgeable. Deanna was friendly on the phone, said what she would do and then followed through. Funny, I had a service question about the roof solar heater product, Randy showed up and answered my question personally. He could have answered it over the phone. I will recommend Affordable Solar Services from here on out.
Craig Lorenzini
Craig Lorenzini
I reviewed 6 different companies when I decided I wanted to go solar, Randy and his crew did an excellent job on my solar install, from the planning stages all the way thru the install and post install start up, he was with us every step of the way, strongly recommend Affordable Solar and by the way he is local.
Belinda Asbell
Belinda Asbell
Fast response time from the time we requested a quote, through permitting, installation, and inspections! Explained multiple options to make an informed decision, then kept on top of the process the whole way to smooth over snags along the way. From first call to generating our own power... less than six weeks! Very happy, highly recommended.
Scott G
Scott G
Randy and the team did a great job replacing my hail damaged pool solar panels. They are very professional and responsive. I got a same-day quote, and it only took them one day to install. The service and quality are topnotch! I wouldn't go anywhere else. Thank you, Randy & Team!!
stephanie keesee
stephanie keesee
The employees and owner of Affordable Solar Services are always courteous, responsive and professional. I have used Affordable Solar several times and the quality of work has always been great.
Laura Buterbaugh
Laura Buterbaugh
Affordable Solar provides the kind of service that should be the norm. They are professional, knowledgeable, dependable, honest and responsive to a customers needs. From the office manager, Diana, to the solar technicians who work tirelessly in the Florida heat, this company sets the bar high for all others, Randy, the owner, who is always actively involved, should be commended for his obvious leadership. I would recommend Affordable Solar to all…. You will not be disappointed!
Brian Billheimer
Brian Billheimer
When we purchased a new house in Viera, we decided we wanted to install solar panels to lower our electricity bills (and take advantage of the tax benefit). I contacted several solar contractors and found Affordable Solar Services to be the most responsive company, as well as providing the best value in terms of price and warranty. Randy thoroughly explained the process and answered all my questions. The installation team came out on time, were courteous and professional, and cleaned up after the installation. It has been several months now since the solar panels were installed and we have not had any issues. Our last full monthly electric bill with FPL was $200. Our first full month utilizing the solar panels dropped our monthly bill to $40. We have been very happy with the service provided by Affordable Solar and the performance of the solar panels. I would highly recommend Randy and Solar Affordable Services to anyone interested in installing solar panels at their home.
Mark Yenofsky
Mark Yenofsky
Affordable Solar installed a 25 panel 10.0 KW system. Did a fantastic job. Quality, professionalism, and price were all exceptional. System is still too new to see any major savings. It is the summer months where its generation of power is not the same as in fall or spring. Plus the amount of clouds and rain we have had in the Melbourne area this summer is abnormal. Randi always returns his calls and is eager to please. Even with the purchase of the system and my monthly bill from FPL is still lower then if I was solely on the grid. I would not be afraid to use this company. They know their stuff.

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