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

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

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 Owosso 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 Owosso?

Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$30,000

Consumers Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances
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

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 encourage people to switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Various types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the state of Michigan, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
  • Rebates: Your solar installer might 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. The value of a rebate will usually come off your total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when you calculate how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Owosso utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may receive a refund equivalent to 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 you think of when thinking about solar incentives. An incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, equipment and labor — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To know exactly how much the ITC could save you, talk to your local Owosso solar panel installation expert.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. Under the new program, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032 can qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. 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 applies to you, talk to your local Owosso solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be given by the Michigan government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Owosso

You can receive solar incentives from the Michigan government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Talking to your local Owosso solar panel installer is the right first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Owosso, MI Solar Incentives FAQs

I already have solar panels. Does my system qualify for any incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to a representative from the company that installed your system — or reach out to a local Owosso solar installer — to better understand which incentives you may qualify for. If your system was 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 the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Owosso's top solar panel companies.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

You can lower your carbon footprint by 500 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order that incentives will be applied in may vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but typically yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Check with your solar installer or a local tax professional to be sure you are claiming all of the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.

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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