2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Alexandria, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Alexandria.
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 Alexandria?
Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes
Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Brainerd Public Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Clothes Washer: $35
Electric Clothes Dryer: $35
Refrigerator: $35
Freezer: $35
Dehumidifier: $20
Room/Window A/C: $35
High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $35
Central A/C Tune-Up: $35
Central A/C: $200-$350
Mini Split/Ductless A/C: $250
ECM Replacement Motor: $100
Furnaces: $200-$375
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Air Source Heat Pump: $250
Geothermal Heat Pump: $100/ton
Connexus Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
OR
$20,000
Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Energy Wise Residential Efficiency Rebates
Home Energy Loan Program
Fix-Up Loan
Renewable Energy Production Incentive
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair
Missouri River Energy Services (23 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate
ENERGY STAR:
Clothes Washer: $25
Dehumidifier: $25
LED Lighting: $1.50-$4.00
Refrigerator: $25
Room A/C: $25
Heating and Cooling:
Central A/C or Heat Pump Tune-Up: $30
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $950
Mini Split/Ductless Air Source Heat Pump/Air Conditioner: $250 /Outdoor Condensing Unit
Central A/C: $250 - $450/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton
Heat Pump Water Heater: $150
Programmable thermostat: $25
Alexandria Light and Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Refrigerator: $25
Dehumidifier: $25
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Central A/C: $250 - $450
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200 per ton
Natural Gas or Electric Furnace with Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) Rebate: $150
Programmable Thermostats controlling Central Air Conditioning: $25
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $100
Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Tune-up: $30
Screw-in LED bulb: $1.50
LED Fixture or Retrofit Kit: $4.00
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. You might be eligible for different kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Minnesota government and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Alexandria utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- 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: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. One of the incentives that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC initially applied to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, accessories and equipment. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
Contacting your local Alexandria solar panel installer is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to you.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To better understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, speak with your local Alexandria solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. These local incentives may come from your county or municipality, or from the Minnesota government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Alexandria
The variety of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Minnesota government. We suggest talking to your local Alexandria solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar system.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alexandria, MN Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
In most cases, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Minnesota government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Alexandria solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.
My home already has solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
Your best bet is to talk to the company that installed your system — or reach out to a local Alexandria solar installer — to clarify 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. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower your home's CO2 emissions by 450 pounds yearly, or roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, formerly known as the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end on 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 claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order in which incentives are applied may vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but in most cases yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to 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.