2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Milford, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Milford.
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 Milford?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers to a wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. You might qualify for various types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain 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:
- Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Milford utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be credited towards the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to claim the credit. The ITC originally paid out 30% of all installation costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To more fully understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, contact your local Milford solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Milford solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Michigan. Certain incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Milford
Solar incentives can be offered by your local utlity company, the Michigan government or the federal government. The variety of available solar incentives has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Talking to your local Milford solar panel installer is the best first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
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 Milford, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
Typically, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Michigan government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Milford solar installer to discover what incentives your project may qualify for.
My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
If your solar system was 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 may 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 Milford solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in Milford?
Generally, Milford homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $813.30 per year, or approximately $15,452.67 over 20 years after they make the switch.
Can I use a combination of solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to discuss your ideas with your local Milford 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.