Michigan's Solar Rebates and Incentives
The
state of Michigan was once known for auto-manufacturing plants.
Recently, many of those shut down, and property values took a severe
dive. This took a positive turn, however, as many people began to take
advantage of the investment opportunities. It you are among those who
currently live in or are planning a move to Michigan, you might be
interested in the solar incentive programs.
Tax Incentives
- Alternative Energy Personal Property Tax Exemption. This
program is designed to support the installation of solar water heat,
solar space heat, solar thermal electric, solar thermal process heat,
photovoltaic panels, and a few other alternative fuel options. In order
to qualify, you must be a part of the commercial or industrial sector.
The incentive allows for a complete property tax exemption up to 100%
of the value.
Grants
- Biomass Energy Program Grants. This
grant program applies to nonprofit organizations, schools, and local
& state government agencies. The maximum amount varies depending on
the project.
- Community Energy Project Grants. This
grant also only applies to non-residential purposes, and is for the
installation of solar energy technology. The maximum amount distributed
is $6,000.
- Energy Efficiency Grants. Non-residential, this program supports photovoltaic panels and solar hot water heaters. The amount provided varies.
- Large-Scale Photovoltaic Demonstration Project Grants. Also
only for schools, non-profits, and government agencies, this grant
provides up to $50,000, and is for the installation of photovoltaics.
Credits
- Nonrefundable Business Activity Credit. This
program is for industrial and agricultural use only. The amount awarded
varies, and it is for the installation of various solar equipment.
- Refundable Payroll Credit. Available for commercial and industrial use, this credit encourages the further research of solar technologies.
Rebates
- Wisconsin Public Power, Inc. Renewable Energy Rebate. This
is actually one of the few residential incentives offered thus far in
the state of Michigan apart from the state and federal tax credits. It
is for the installation of solar water heat, photovoltaic panels, solar
space heat, and wind energy. The rebate program provides up to $3,500
for solar-thermal systems; $10,000 for PV systems; $10,000 for wind
energy systems; site assessments: $375; and $2,500 for repairs to
existing systems.
Public Benefit Funds
- Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF). This
program was developed to provide assistance for solar systems to
low-income families and other organizations. The amount of assistance
varies.
Currently,
there really aren't that many incentives for homeowners in the state of
Michigan other than the rebate mentioned above and the state and
federal tax incentives. In the past year, there have been a couple of
bills proposed to create more incentives, so at least there is
attention being directed towards the issue. As this article announces, "1000 New Solar Industry Jobs Forecasted for Michigan"
(Ann Arbor Business Review, July 3, 2008) new initiatives were approved
by the state legislature in June. These new programs offer loans to
firms that manufacture solar panels. The hope is that these initiatives
will encourage companies to pursue solar growth, creating more
affordable solar and job growth at the same time. For a state that was
hit hard in the past couple of years economically, this is always
welcome news.
Additional Sources:
DSIRE
