2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Saline, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Saline.
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 Saline?
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Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is designed to encourage more people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are provided by the Michigan government or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Saline utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might be refunded a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Saline solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. This new credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to get in touch with your local Saline solar panel installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. Incentives might be offered by the state of Michigan, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Saline
You can qualify for solar incentives from the Michigan government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Your local Saline solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change 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 Saline, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I am planning to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives can be claimed on a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.
If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently 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. Talking to the company that installed your solar system, or any local Saline solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or the 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 claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
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. Make sure you talk through your ideas with your local Saline solar installer. They can help you with the plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you might or might 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.