2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Wayne, MI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Wayne.
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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Wayne solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Wayne?
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, while others are handled by the Michigan government or your specific utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Wayne utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
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
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. One of the incentives that most people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, accessories and equipment. This credit can be claimed on solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Contact your local Wayne solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. With the new provisions, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032, may be eligible 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. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Wayne solar panel installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; tax credits, rebates and more may be offered at the local or state level. These incentives — which might be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Michigan — may be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Wayne
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the Michigan government or the federal government. When you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, reaching out to your local Wayne solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Wayne, MI Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
Generally, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates 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 Wayne solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
Your best bet is to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar system – or reach out to a local Wayne solar installer — to learn about which incentives you might 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. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
If I trade in my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there incentives that I can claim?
With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order your incentives will be applied in might vary depending on which incentives you are claiming but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm you are claiming all the incentives you're eligible 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.