How to Get Free Solar Panels Installed in Michigan
Updated September 29, 2024 | 11 min read
If you're a resident of Michigan, you may be eligible for free solar panel installation through various state and federal programs. This guide will walk you through how to get free solar panels in Michigan, including available incentives and financing options.
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Solar Power in Michigan
The solar industry in Michigan has been steadily growing in recent years, with the state currently ranking 23rd in the nation for installed solar capacity. In 2020 alone, Michigan added 139 MW of solar capacity, bringing the state's total to 481 MW. This growth can be attributed in part to the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable sources, and to a variety of incentives and financing options available to homeowners and businesses.
Michigan offers a number of incentives and financing options to encourage the adoption of solar energy, including the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, net metering, and federal and state tax credits and rebates.
These incentives make it possible for homeowners and businesses to get free solar panels installed and to see a return on their investment in the form of lower electricity bills and increased property values. As a result, the solar industry in Michigan is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
Getting Free Solar Panels in Michigan
At EcoGen America, we're dedicated to helping Michigan residents and businesses take advantage of the full range of solar possibilities. We're committed to guiding you through the process of adopting solar energy at a reduced cost, with the help of a range of Michigan solar incentives, programs, and financing options.
With our expertise and support, you can discover which solar incentives and local programs you're eligible for in just minutes. With a complimentary, tailor-made solar savings quote from Michigan's top solar installer, EcoGen America, you can make the switch to solar energy with confidence, knowing that you're getting the best possible value. So why wait? Contact us today to start exploring the many benefits of solar energy for your home or business in Michigan.
Get started with your free Solar Savings quote!
Power Purchase Agreements
A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a third-party developer installs and operates a solar energy system on a customer's property, and the customer agrees to purchase the solar energy produced by the system at a predetermined rate for a set period of time.
PPAs are becoming increasingly popular in Michigan as a way for businesses and non-profits to access the benefits of solar energy without having to pay for the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system.
Under a PPA, the solar energy developer is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the solar energy system, while the customer benefits from reduced electricity costs and the environmental benefits of solar energy.
PPAs are a great option for customers who want to take advantage of the many benefits of solar energy without having to invest in the equipment themselves. And with Michigan's numerous solar incentives and financing options, it's easier than ever for businesses and non-profits to make the switch to solar power.
Michigan Solar Incentives
When it comes to adopting solar energy in Michigan, there are many incentives and programs available to help homeowners and businesses make the switch. From tax credits and rebates to financing options and net metering, there are numerous ways to reduce the cost of installing and operating a solar energy system. In this section, we'll explore some of the top solar incentives and programs available in Michigan.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
This program allows property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades through their property tax assessments. PACE financing is available for a range of energy improvements, including solar panel installations.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
This tax credit allows homeowners and businesses to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. The ITC is currently set to begin phasing out after 2033, so now is a great time to take advantage of this incentive.
Net Metering
Michigan's net metering program allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. This credit can help offset the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid when solar energy production is low.
Enter your zip code to see which MI Solar Incentives you qualify for!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
Solar Financing Options
While solar energy can save homeowners and businesses money in the long run, the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system can be a barrier for some.
Fortunately, there are a variety of solar financing options available in Michigan to help make solar energy more accessible and affordable. In this section, we'll explore some of the top solar financing options in Michigan, including loans, leases, and power purchase agreements.
Michigan Solar Leases
It allows homeowners and businesses to lease a solar energy system from a third-party provider for a fixed monthly fee, typically over a period of 15 to 20 years. The solar provider is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the system, while the customer benefits from reduced electricity bills and the environmental benefits of solar energy. Solar leases can be a good option for those who cannot afford the upfront costs of purchasing a solar energy system, as they typically require little to no upfront investment.
Michigan solar loans
This allows homeowners and businesses to finance the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system. These loans typically have lower interest rates than traditional loans and can be repaid over a period of 5 to 20 years.
With a solar loan, the customer owns the solar energy system and is responsible for maintenance and repairs, but also benefits from reduced electricity bills and the environmental benefits of solar energy. Solar loans can be a good option for those who want to own their solar energy system and benefit from the long-term financial and environmental benefits of solar energy.
Overall, there are several solar financing options available in Michigan to help make solar energy more accessible and affordable. Whether through solar leases or loans, these financing options can help homeowners and businesses overcome the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system, allowing them to benefit from lower electricity bills and the many environmental benefits of solar energy.
Enter your zip code to see which MI Solar Incentives you qualify for!
Do I Qualify?
Please enter a zip code
Michigan Community Solar Programs
In addition to government and state solar programs, there are also non-profit organizations in Michigan dedicated to increasing access to solar energy for underserved communities. These organizations provide financing, education, and solar panel installations to low-income households and other underserved populations across the state. In this section, we'll explore some of the top non-profit solar efforts in Michigan.
Consumers Energy's Solar Gardens
A local Michigan solar program allows consumers to purchase or lease a portion of a solar energy system located off-site, and receive credit on their electric bill for the energy generated by their portion of the system. This program is ideal for those who want to benefit from solar energy but cannot install a system on their own property. There are also other community solar programs available through various utilities and solar providers in Michigan.
Michigan Saves program
A nonprofit organization that offers financing options for energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades, including solar energy systems. The program offers low-interest loans for eligible homeowners and businesses to help make the upfront costs of solar energy more affordable.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
This offers energy assistance to low-income households, including assistance with utility bills and home energy upgrades. MEAP also offers a Solar Communities program, which provides free solar panel installations to eligible low-income households in Detroit, allowing them to benefit from the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy.
Going Solar in Michigan
There are numerous benefits to switching to solar energy in Michigan, including lower electricity bills, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and a smaller carbon footprint.
With the many solar incentives and financing options available in Michigan, the upfront costs of installing a solar energy system are more affordable than ever before.
By getting a free quote to explore their solar options, homeowners and businesses can take the first step towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future while saving money on their electricity bills. With the help of Michigan's many solar programs and non-profit organizations, making the switch to solar energy has never been easier or more accessible.
Get started with your free Solar Savings quote!
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Yes, there are several ways to get solar panels installed for free in Michigan with solar incentives and local solar programs. There are even community solar efforts aimed at helping Michigan residents go solar for less.
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