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SolarReviews | Nebraska Solar Power Rebates and Incentives

Solar Power Rebates, Tax Credits and Solar Panel Incentives in Nebraska; 2012 Update

Nebraska has some way to go if it is to catch up with the solar power incentives that other states now have in place. We have just had a look at Nebraska and this is what we have found.

State Tax Credit

Nebraska has a production based tax credit available to producers of solar power.

The credit allowed may be used to reduce the producer's Nebraska income tax liability or to obtain a refund of state sales and use taxes paid by the producer. The value of the credit is based on the amount of electricity produced, and the rate varies based on the year in which the electricity is generated according to the following schedule:
  • 0.075 cents per kilowatt-hour ($0.00075/kWh) of electricity generated after July 14, 2006 but before October 1, 2007.
  • 0.1 cent/kWh ($0.001/kWh) for electricity generated on or after October 1, 2007, and before January 1, 2010.
  • 0.075 cents/kWh ($0.00075/kWh) for electricity generated on or after January 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2013.
  • 0.05 cents/kWh ($0.0005/kWh) for electricity generated on or after January 1, 2013.
The credit may be earned for 10 years after the date that the facility is placed in operation on or after July 14, 2006. The total amount of renewable energy tax credits that may be used by all taxpayers is limited to $50,000 without further authorization from the Nebraska Legislature. This credit may not be claimed by a producer who receives a sales tax exemption for community-based energy development projects".

Federal Tax Credit

The single most significant financial incentive for your solar power system in Nebraska is the same Federal Tax Credit that applies right across the USA. This gives you a credit on your Federal Tax bill equivalent to 30% of the cost of your solar system. For more information on this visit out page "The 30% federal tax credit for residential solar power systems" Because this is a tax credit you get the benefit of this when you do your next federal tax return, rather than getting a cheque on the day of installation. Still, it has a real value if you are in a position where you are paying annual federal income tax equivalent to 30% or more of the value of your solar panel system.

Net Metering and Inter Connection

Net metering basically means that your electricity utility monitors how much energy you use from the grid and how many kWh (kilowatt hours) your solar power system puts back into the grid. Nebraska have established statewide net metering rules for all electric utilities. The rules apply to electricity generating facilities that have a rated capacity at or below 25 kilowatts (kW). Power production is used to offsett the customers bill any excess power will be credited to the next bill. If the customer has credits remaining after 12 months they will be paid for those credits. The system owner retains all renewable energy credits or RECS associated to their solar power plant.

Nebraska Solar Summary

Nebraska has some good incentives with its personal tax credit and Net Metering system as well as the Federal 30% rebate. It does have some scope for future improvement, and this is likely to happen as power becomes more expensive. As always the best thing you can do is talk to your local experts click "here" to get 3 quotes from your local solar businesses.    


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