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

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

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 Maple Grove solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Maple Grove?

Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid

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

Xcel Energy (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
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

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

Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants

Incentive Type:
Grant Program
Varies

Connexus Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

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

Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Energy Wise Residential Efficiency Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies by measure and member cooperative offering.

Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Ground Source Heat Pump: up to $1,200
Quick Cash Air-Source Heat Pump: up to $900
Quick Cash Air Conditioning: up to $200
Peak Shave Water Heating: $15/kW
Quick Cash Water Heating: Up to $950
Metered Water Storage: $0.06/kWh
Ductless Air Source Heat Pump: $200
Quick Cash Water Storage: up to $300
Dual Fuel: $5/kW
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) $5/kW
HVAC Electronically Commutated Motor: $50/motor
Pool Pumps: $200-$400

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

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 intended to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You might be eligible for various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Minnesota government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will 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. The value of a rebate will usually be deducted from your total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to talk to your Maple Grove utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, you likely think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

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

Your local Maple Grove solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

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 Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Maple Grove solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. As with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. These incentives — which may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Minnesota — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Maple Grove

The large number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the Minnesota government or from your local utility company. Your local Maple Grove solar panel installer can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Maple Grove, MN Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Minnesota government or by your county/municipality, may have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Maple Grove solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.

I already have solar panels. Does my system qualify for any 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 you installed your system 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 Maple Grove solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you might want to apply for.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Maple Grove?

Typically, homeowners in Maple Grove who install solar panels save around $951.30 per year, or around $18,074.61 over 20 years after they make the switch.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Maple Grove solar installation expert. They can help you with the 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.

Follow us