Starting in 2023, residents in Wisconsin can save more than ever before on energy-efficient home upgrades. Not only will these upgrades save you money on your utility bill, but they may also be eligible for a rebate from Focus on Energy or a federal income tax credit.
In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This act includes funding to help people cut their energy use and install renewable energy systems. As of January 1, 2023, new tax credits are available reducing the cost of energy-related home upgrades
The Inflation Reduction Act provides federal tax credits and deductions that empower Americans to make homes and buildings more energy efficient, reduce energy costs, and help reduce demand as we transition to cleaner energy sources.
You may be eligible for an Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covering up to 30% of energy-efficient home upgrades (e.g., insulation, furnaces, heat pumps, and more). Plus, you can take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy Property Credit, which provides up to a 30% income tax credit for the purchase and installation of clean energy equipment. There are annual limits on the amount and combination of tax credits a taxpayer can claim. Please visit the IRS website for more information. Focus on Energy rebates are separate from tax credits, and you are encouraged to take advantage of both! See the table below for more information.
The Section 45L Tax Credit for Energy Efficient New Homes was updated and extended through 2032 and includes $2,500 for ENERGY STAR® certified single-family new homes, $2,500 for ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes, and $500 per unit for ENERGY STAR certified multifamily units meeting the ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Construction National program requirements. Larger credits are available for homes certified to Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program or multifamily projects meeting prevailing wage requirements.
Tax credits are available for the following upgrades, which may also qualify for rebates from Focus on Energy
Item |
Federal Tax Credit |
2024 Focus on Energy Rebate |
Insulation |
Up to $1,200 |
Standard
Income-Qualified* |
Home Energy Audit |
Up to $150 |
N/A |
Windows & Skylights |
Up to $600 |
N/A |
Exterior Doors |
Up to $250 per door $500 annually |
N/A |
Air Source Heat Pumps |
Up to $2,000 |
|
Geothermal Heat Pumps |
30% of total project cost |
|
Central Air Conditioners |
Up to $600 |
N/A |
Furnaces (Natural Gas) |
Up to $600 |
Standard
Income-Qualified* |
Furnaces (Oil) |
Up to $600 |
N/A |
Hot Water Boilers (Natural Gas) ENERGY STAR® |
Up to $600 |
Standard
Income-Qualified* |
Hot Water Boilers (Propane, Oil) |
Up to $600 |
N/A |
Biomass Stoves/Boilers |
Up to $2,000 |
N/A |
Heat Pump Water Heaters |
Up to $2,000 |
Instant discount available through participating Trade Allies |
Water Heaters (Natural Gas) |
Up to $600 |
Instant discount available through participating Trade Allies |
Solar Energy Systems |
30% of total project cost |
Customers in specific ZIP codes may receive an additional $500 bonus for solar electric systems
|
Small Wind Turbines |
30% of total project cost |
N/A |
Battery Storage Technology |
30% of total project cost |
N/A |
Fuel Cells |
30% of total project cost |
N/A |
Electric Panel Upgrades |
Up to $600 |
N/A |
If you’re looking to identify the most helpful upgrades for your home, Focus on Energy provides a free online home assessment. Discover potential upgrades, customized for your home, in under ten minutes. Or receive expert advice to help pinpoint issues in your home. Schedule an in-person home energy assessment with a Focus on Energy Trade Ally.
Be sure to consult the Home Energy Tax Credits and Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit sections of the IRS website and/or your tax professional when planning your project. Note: Focus on Energy rebates may impact the amount of the tax credit for your project. See question four of the IRS’s frequently asked questions for more information.