2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Oakdale, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Oakdale.
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 Oakdale solar installers to see how much you can save.
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Updated May 04, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Oakdale?
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
Home Energy Loan Program
Fix-Up Loan
Renewable Energy Production Incentive
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more people to switch their home over to renewable energy. You may qualify for different types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Minnesota and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Oakdale utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels 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 ignore the added value of the solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the best-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 solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property owned by you for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system costs (panels, accessories, labor and equipment), although the covered amount has fluctuated over the last few 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.
Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Contact your local Oakdale solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. At this point, the percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Oakdale solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more are often offered at the state and local level. These incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Minnesota government. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Oakdale
The expanding number of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the federal government, the Minnesota government or from your local utility company. If you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, calling your local Oakdale solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
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 Oakdale, MN Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for different solar incentives?
Broadly, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar system
- installed on a property that you own
- within the U.S.
- between the dates specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those given out by the Minnesota government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Oakdale solar installer to discover what incentives your project may qualify for.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Oakdale solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you can apply for.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by switching where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. A solar system can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds a year, or roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can apply for?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order your incentives will be applied in may vary depending on which incentives you receive but in most cases yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure 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.