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

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

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 Northville solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Northville?

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/


The term "solar incentives" refers to a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the Michigan government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are typically applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to speak to your Northville 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 your solar panels generate. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to be eligible for the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although this amount has fluctuated over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Your local Northville solar panel installation expert can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might 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. With the new provisions, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 can 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. The expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Northville solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit 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 the state of Michigan, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Northville

Solar energy use nationwide has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Michigan government. It is a good idea to talk to your local Northville solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.

EcoWatch's Northville, MI Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

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 you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Northville solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you might want to apply for.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To discover the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on Northville's top solar panel companies.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end 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 use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local Northville solar installation expert, 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.

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