2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Berkley, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Berkley.
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 Berkley?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the Michigan government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Berkley utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which would allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
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- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, although that number has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Reaching out to your local Berkley solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to you.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). With the new provisions, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032, can qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Berkley solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be given by your county or municipality, or by the Michigan government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Berkley
You can receive solar incentives from the Michigan government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. When you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, calling your local Berkley solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Berkley, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
An excellent idea would be to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels – or call a local Berkley solar installer — to better understand which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?
The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for multiple incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money you can.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Berkley solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you may or may not qualify for.
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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.