2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Highland Park, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Highland Park.
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.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Highland Park?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Michigan and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Highland Park utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar panels. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system could qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the added value of the solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your home.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, labor and equipment — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Speaking with your local Highland Park solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to you.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now titled the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects that began after January 1, 2022 and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Highland Park solar panel company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. Solar incentives might be offered by the Michigan government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Highland Park
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up tremendously in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the Michigan government or the federal government. Your local Highland Park solar panel installation expert can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
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
EcoWatch's Highland Park, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Highland Park solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of Michigan, may have additional requirements.
If I already have a solar system installed on my house, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with the company that installed your solar system, or any local Highland Park solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you can apply for.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable — by changing where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 500 pounds annually, or roughly 10,000 pounds in 20 years.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Make sure that you discuss the details of your plan with your local Highland Park solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what types of incentives 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.