2025 Solar Incentives Guide for North Mankato, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in North Mankato.
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.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in North Mankato?
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
Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants
Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Energy Wise Residential Efficiency Rebates
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
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid
Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes
Fix-Up Loan
Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair
Home Energy Loan Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Solar incentives could include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the state of Minnesota and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your North Mankato utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- 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 pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of installing a solar system, although it has fluctuated slightly over the 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 equipment, accessories and labor. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local North Mankato solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. You can now receive 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 it expires. 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. Your local North Mankato solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more are often offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives might come from the Minnesota government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in North Mankato
You can qualify for solar incentives from the federal government and the Minnesota government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. When you're ready to make the change to solar energy, reaching out to your local North Mankato solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's North Mankato, MN Solar Incentives FAQs
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in North Mankato.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds a year, or around 9,000 pounds over 20 years.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
If I change out my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there any incentives that I can claim?
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives designed to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.
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.