2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Norton Shores, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Norton Shores.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Norton Shores?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Great Lakes Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500
Energy Optimization (Electric) - Residential Efficiency Program
Refrigerator: $50
Chest Freezer: $50
Window Air Conditioners: $15
Dehumidifier: $15
HVAC
WiFi Thermostat: $75
ECM Blower Motor: $200
Central Air Conditioning: 150 - $500
Central Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $500
Mini/Multi-Split Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
HVAC Combo Bonus: $100 bonus
Smart HVAC Combo Bonus: $150 bonus
Tune-Up Central Air Conditioner or Air-Sourse Heat Pump: $50
Ground-Source Heat Pump: $500 - $750
Efficient Circulation Pump: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $250
Pipe Wrap Insulation: $0.80/ft. ($8 max)
ENERGY STAR Products
LED Bulbs: In-store savings vary by retailer
LED Downlight Kits: In-store savings vary by retailer
Outdoor LED Fixtures: $5
Ceiling Fan: $10
Advanced Power Strip: $5
Room Air Conditioner: $10
Air Purifier: $10
Dehumidifier: $15
Clothes Washer: $20
Refrigerator: $20
Chest Freezer or Upright Freezer: $15
Television: $10 - $20
Personal Computer: $10
Occupancy Sensor: $5
Wifi-Enabled Thermostat: $75
Income Qualified Services
Free Product Kit: May include energy-saving items, such as LED lights and a smart power strip
Consumers Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Washing Machine: $25 - $50
WiFi Enabled Thermostat: $50 - $100
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Dehumidifier: $20
Pool Pump: $350
Refrigetor/Freezer Recyclilng: $50
Room Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Recycling: $15
Heating & Cooling
Split System Central AC: $50 - $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200 - $300
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $350
ECM Motor: $50
Thermostat: $10 - $100
Central AC Tune-Up: $50
Windows & Insulation
Roof Insulation: $50 - $200
Wall Insulation: $50 - $125
Crawlspace Insulation: $10 - $50
Rim Joist Insulation: $20 - $50
Window Replacement: $15/window
Patio Door Replacement: $40/door
Lighting
Varies
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more Americans to switch to renewable energy. The incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the Michigan government and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Norton Shores utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Federal Solar Incentives
When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Your local Norton Shores solar panel installer can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. This credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, reach out to your local Norton Shores solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be given out by your county or municipality, or by the Michigan government. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Norton Shores
There are a variety of solar incentives: those offered by the federal government, those given by the Michigan government and those provided by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy use has grown tremendously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. We recommend talking to your local Norton Shores solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar system.
EcoWatch's Norton Shores, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
My home already has solar panels. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
You should plan to talk to a representative from the company that installed your solar panels – or speak to a local Norton Shores solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 10,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a variety of new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
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 combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss the details of your plan with your local Norton Shores solar panel installer, 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.