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

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

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 Commerce solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Commerce?

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 designed to encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You may be eligible for different 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. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar system when you're calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Commerce utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties 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.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, talk to your local Commerce solar panel installer.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; the amount will then decrease slightly each year until the current program ends. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local Commerce solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. These solar incentives — which may be provided by the state of Michigan, or by your county or municipality — might be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Commerce

You can qualify for solar incentives from the Michigan government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Call your local solar panel installation expert today to discover more about the various programs and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Commerce home.

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 Commerce, MI Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my Commerce home?

Generally, homeowners in Commerce who install solar panels save approximately $813.30 per year, or approximately $15,452.67 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To discover the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Commerce.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

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

If I switch my appliances out for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any incentives that I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides multiple incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you discuss your plan with your local Commerce solar installation expert. They can help you with the plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you will or won't 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.

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