2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Brighton, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Brighton.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Brighton?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy. You might be eligible for various kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Michigan government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Brighton 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 others you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system may qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
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SunPower
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Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
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Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
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- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC originally covered 30% of the total cost of solar panel installation, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. 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.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Brighton solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects begun after January 1, 2022, and finished by December 31, 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to reach out to your local Brighton solar panel company with your questions.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives — which might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Michigan — might be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Brighton
There are a number of different solar incentives: those given by local utility companies, those offered by the federal government and those given by the Michigan government, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased enormously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. We suggest talking to your local Brighton solar installer to learn more about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar panels.
EcoWatch's Brighton, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
How much will a solar system save me on my electric bill in Brighton annually?
After adding solar panels to your house in Brighton, you can expect to save around $812.09 per year, or approximately $15,429.72 over the next 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. 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 Brighton solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not qualify for.
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.