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US Department Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
IREC North Carolina Solar Center

Policy Comparisons

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State-by-state policy comparison tables highlight individual program elements to facilitate comparison among solar programs. Policy comparisons are available for two of the most popular and effective incentive options adopted at the state level—rebates and tax credits. Each table notes eligible recipients and system sizes, incentive amounts, and other basic information; mechanisms to ensure system performance; and for rebate programs, expenditure and installation data.


State Rebate Programs
State rebates have played a significant role in accelerating the deployment of solar installations in the United States by reducing the upfront cost of owning a system. These programs, available in about 20 states, vary widely in incentive levels, annual budgets, installer and equipment requirements, installation results, and other features. Click on the links below to compare PV rebate programs or solar water heating rebate programs.
State Tax Credits
Tax credits help offset the expense of purchasing and installing solar energy equipment by directly reducing the project owner's tax liability and can play an important role in promoting solar, especially in states where direct incentives such as rebates and grants are not available. Available in about 20 states, tax credits vary widely in eligibility criteria, incentive levels, annual budgets, installer and equipment requirements, and other features. Click on the links below to compare PV tax credits or solar water heating tax credits.
For information on federal tax credits for solar projects, visit DSIRE SOLAR'S Federal Incentives page.
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Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.

While the DSIRE staff strives to provide the best information possible, the DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information. The DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council disclaim all liability of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the information contained or referenced on DSIRE Web pages.

Copyright 2011 - 2012 North Carolina State University, under NREL Subcontract No. XEU-0-99515-01. Permission granted only for personal or educational use, or for use by or on behalf of the U.S. government. North Carolina State University prohibits the unauthorized display, reproduction, sale, and/or distribution of all or portions of the content of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) without prior, written consent.