2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Bruce, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Bruce.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Bruce solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Bruce?

Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$30,000

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are meant to help mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more Americans to switch their home over to renewable energy. Various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the Michigan government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Bruce utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the added value of your solar system when you calculate the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC is applied to the total cost of installing solar panels, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. The tax credit ranges from 26-30% of total costs depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Your local Bruce solar panel installation expert can provide more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Bruce solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. Solar incentives may be provided by the Michigan government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Bruce

The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the Michigan government or the federal government. If you're ready to switch over to solar energy, calling your local Bruce solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

EcoWatch's Bruce, MI Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Michigan government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Bruce solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Bruce.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 500 pounds a year, or roughly 10,000 pounds over 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

Can I receive 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 solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.

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.

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