2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Benton, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Benton.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Benton?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Energy Optimization (Electric) - Residential Efficiency Program
Refrigerator: $50
Chest Freezer: $50
Window Air Conditioners: $15
Dehumidifier: $15
HVAC
WiFi Thermostat: $75
ECM Blower Motor: $200
Central Air Conditioning: 150 - $500
Central Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $500
Mini/Multi-Split Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
HVAC Combo Bonus: $100 bonus
Smart HVAC Combo Bonus: $150 bonus
Tune-Up Central Air Conditioner or Air-Sourse Heat Pump: $50
Ground-Source Heat Pump: $500 - $750
Efficient Circulation Pump: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $250
Pipe Wrap Insulation: $0.80/ft. ($8 max)
ENERGY STAR Products
LED Bulbs: In-store savings vary by retailer
LED Downlight Kits: In-store savings vary by retailer
Outdoor LED Fixtures: $5
Ceiling Fan: $10
Advanced Power Strip: $5
Room Air Conditioner: $10
Air Purifier: $10
Dehumidifier: $15
Clothes Washer: $20
Refrigerator: $20
Chest Freezer or Upright Freezer: $15
Television: $10 - $20
Personal Computer: $10
Occupancy Sensor: $5
Wifi-Enabled Thermostat: $75
Income Qualified Services
Free Product Kit: May include energy-saving items, such as LED lights and a smart power strip
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the state of Michigan, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Benton utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Your local Benton solar panel installer can give you more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now qualify for a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, get in touch with your local Benton solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives — which might be given by the state of Michigan, or by your county or municipality — might be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Benton
You can qualify for solar incentives from the federal government and the Michigan government, as well as from your local utility company. Growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Speaking with your local Benton solar panel installation company is an excellent first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's Benton, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
Generally, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Michigan government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Benton solar installer to discover what incentives your project may qualify for.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Benton?
On average, Benton homeowners who install solar panels save around $930.82 per year, or around $17,685.61 over 20 years after they make the switch.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Benton's best solar panel companies.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can apply for?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
What if I add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives can be claimed on a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.