2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Luverne, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Luverne solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Luverne?

Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes

Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% of sales tax

Brainerd Public Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dishwasher: $35
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

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$7,500
OR
$20,000

Home Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$20,000

Fix-Up Loan

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$15,000. Applicants may be eligible for higher loan and term amounts depending on income

Renewable Energy Production Incentive

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
1.5¢/kWh
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair

Missouri River Energy Services (23 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Rebates vary from one participating utility to another. For specific details on the incentives offered by a particular utility check the program website. The rebate incentives listed below are an estimate using Adrian Public Utilities as an example, for your Utility please confirm online with your local utility.
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

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 are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. You might be eligible for various kinds of incentives, including 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. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panel system may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to talk with your Luverne utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually come off your total price before any tax credits are calculated.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC applies to the value of a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system has to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the covered amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To better understand how the ITC may apply to you, speak to your local Luverne solar panel installation expert 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 new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032. This credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, speak with your local Luverne solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Similar to federal incentives, these could include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Minnesota. Some incentives might only be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Luverne

Solar incentives might be provided by the Minnesota government, the federal government or your local utility company. The large number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. We suggest talking to your local Luverne solar installation expert for more information about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting the largest number possible for your solar system.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Luverne, MN Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Luverne home?

After adding solar panels to your Luverne home, you can anticipate savings of about $792.11 per year, or about $15,050.01 over 20 years.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can get?

The new Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for a number of incentives meant to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

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

Yes, you can receive both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are applying 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 the correct incentives and getting the most money possible.

Can I use both 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 go over your plan with your local Luverne solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you will or won't 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.

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