SUR Energy: Government and Utility Based Incentives
Government Incentives
One incentive that is scheduled to be around for an eight year period is the 30% federal tax credit. “Credit” means the Federal government reduces your bill if you owe them money. If you already have a credit in the year the system is purchased the credit can be rolled forward to the next year’s tax bill. For example, if you spend $10,000 on a solar electric, solar hot water, or wind system, the government credit will be $3000. If you have a Federal tax bill of $4500 without solar your new tax bill will be $1500. Because it is a “credit” it changes your bill by 30% of the cost of the system. You can also install multiple systems in the same year, for example solar electric, wind turbine, and solar hot water.Utility Based Incentives
SolarCurrents® from DTE Energy |
We suggest contacting your State representative and requesting an extension of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (legislation requiring Michigan utilities to get a portion of their power from renewable sources).
We also suggest contacting DTE and requesting a resumption of the DTE SolarCurrents® program.
EARP from Consumers Energy |
- 15 year contract between Consumers Energy and the homeowner
- Residential systems start first quarter 2012
- Initial rate $0.26/kWhr paid for all solar energy generated. This is about double the normal electrical rate.
- Program size limit, 1.5mW for residential
- Array must meet requirements for netmetering, however..system CANNOT participate in netmetering
