2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Lakeville, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Lakeville.
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 Lakeville solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Lakeville?
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid
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
Xcel Energy (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Natural Gas Furnace Existing Home: $200-$400
Natural Gas Furnace New Construction: $100-$200
Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler: $100-$400
ECM Furnace: $100
Central AC: $150-$450
Tank Water Heater: $75-$500
Tankless Water Heater: $250
Attic/Wall Insulation: 30% of project cost
Air Sealing: $150-$200
Furnaces: $200-$425
Boilers: $125-$400
ECM Motor Furnace Fan: $125
Programmable Thermostat: $10
Heat Pumps: $175-$475
Water Heating: $100-$250
Clothes Washer: $10
Refrigerator: $15
Ground Source Heat Pump: $150/ton
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
Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants
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
Dakota Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
LED Yard Light: $30/fixture
Clothes Dryer: $25
Central AC/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $25
Central A/C Installation: $280- $330 depending on SEER rating
Air-Source Heat Pump Installation: $480- $630 depending on SEER rating
Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300 - $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/ton
Electric Thermal Storage Heat: $50/kW
Electric Water Heater: Up to $400
Heat Pump Water Heater: up to $400
Refrigerator: $75
Freezer: $75
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $75
ECM Furnace Motor: $100
Pool Pump Variable Speed Motor: $200
Air-Source Heat Pump Pool Heater: $400
Solar Panel Installation: $0.50/watt of installed solar, not to exceed $4,000
Load Management: Varies
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The term "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives might include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Minnesota and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. These rebates may be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Lakeville utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
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
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC allows you to claim a tax credit for a set percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to be eligible for the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, labor, equipment and accessories), although the covered amount has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
To best understand how the ITC could apply to you, get in touch with your local Lakeville solar panel installer and ask for 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. The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar installations undertaken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. After 2032, the percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Lakeville solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Incentives might be provided by the state of Minnesota, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Lakeville
The large number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Minnesota government, the federal government or your local utility company. Call your local solar panel installation expert today to learn more and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Lakeville home.
EcoWatch's Lakeville, MN Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives can be claimed on a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.
What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on Lakeville's top solar panel companies.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 a year when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 9,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is 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 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 apply for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.
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.