On Tuesday August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law, making its mark as the single largest clean energy investment in United States history. As part of this sweeping legislation, the federal government will devote approximately $386 billion dollars to combat climate change and boost U.S. energy production across our entire economy to cut carbon emissions, transition towards renewable energy, and set the stage for the nation to become a leader in energy independence. The new law creates a pathway for the U.S. to cut carbon emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, along with touting tens of billions of dollars being devoted to clean electricity tax credits, individual clean energy incentives, clean manufacturing tax credits, and bolster the American solar industry with investments in production and its growing consumer market. 
 
While these benefits and commitments sound captivating in the headlines and on paper, what does it all really mean for homeowners wanting to go solar and those who already have it? Before the IRA takes effect later this year, it is crucial to understand how to take advantage of the resources provided by the federal government to help you save thousands and lock-in your energy rates for the next 10 years.

Here is a breakdown of How the Inflation Reduction Act benefits homeowners in our nation’s reviving solar landscape:

1. Homeowners with solar are eligible for the Investment Tax Credit

As solar energy is quickly gaining popularity throughout the U.S., Arizona homeowners are able to save more on their utility bills without relying on the electrical grid, and even boost existing tax credits by installing solar panel systems on their roofs. With a combined $9 billion in consumer energy rebate programs, along with $1 billion in grants, the law provides a wide range of incentives to relieve the rising costs of energy. 
 
Homeowners interested in going solar or with a solar project scheduled or completed in 2022 are eligible for the extended and raised 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC).The ITC restores a benefit set to expire between 2022 and 2025. The credit remains at 30% until 2032, then decreases to 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034, and expires in 2035. Along with helping homeowners cover the costs of installing new solar panel systems on their roofs, you may claim the personal tax credit if you already have a system installed for your home.

2. Anyone can install a standalone battery backup system and claim the ITC

Before, homeowners had to install a battery backup system within 1 year of their solar system installation to claim the ITC. Despite current law, the IRA has separated battery storage technology from solar, making it accessible for homeowners to install and claim the 30% personal tax credit. The standalone battery system must have a capacity of at least 3 kilowatt hours (kWh). 
 
If you installed your battery system before the IRA and it has a capacity of less than 3 kWh, you can upgrade it to meet the storage requirements for ITC qualification. Treating standalone battery systems as separate entities allows homeowners to easily combine them with solar installations and other renewable energy systems for added flexibility.

3. The Clean Vehicle Tax Credit makes purchasing electric vehicles easier and more affordable

With $60 billion being designated across the full supply chain, the Inflation Reduction Act solar benefits will encourage a wider adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and clean energy transportation technologies. In fact, the IRA will include up to $80 billion in rebates for EV owners across the U.S., with $2 billion in grants to modernize existing auto manufacturing companies to produce clean vehicles and create jobs that stay in the communities that need them most. 
 
Rebates include a $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle owners, applied at the point of sale. This also applies to vehicles from manufacturers no longer eligible for existing EV tax credits, like General Motors and Tesla. Considering a used EV purchase? Enjoy a new $4,000 tax credit to apply towards it! Good news! Many in the U.S. qualify for Clean Energy Vehicle Credits, especially couples earning under $300,000 and individuals earning under $150,000 annually.

The Main Takeaway

With the rewards of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 vastly outweighing the risks, it will help the United States skyrocket back into the spotlight as a global authority in renewable energy. Through providing favorable tax credits to manufacturers, commercial and residential solar power, and investing in communities aiming to find their identities in the renewable energy transition, they make up the backbone of the bill’s priorities and help bolster and American economy that is returning to dominance. As a measure that is supported by many environmental and climate activists, the benefits that come with this legislation may be too good to pass up – reshaping the U.S. energy sector, reversing climate change and preparing for the future of energy consumption and management through advancements in solar technology. 

Check out our extended version of this story here.