Michigan is dedicated to going green, and they’re making it easier and more cost-effective for property owners across the state to embrace solar power, including passing the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act, which prohibits HOAs from blocking modifications like installing solar systems. This dedication to going green also expands to Ann Arbor, where a few specific programs are aimed at helping the city become more carbon-neutral.
Although the state of Michigan is leading the country in embracing solar energy and sustainable efforts, Ann Arbor, in particular, has one of the most extensive plans for minimizing the effects of climate change.
Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality plan, also known as the A2Zero Plan, was adopted by the city on June 1, 2020. Under this plan, the city aims to transition the community to carbon neutrality by 2030. In addition to improving public transportation systems and credits for purchasing electric vehicles, property owners are encouraged to add solar power equipment to their properties.
Ann Arbor is realizing their A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan by incentivizing solar energy opportunities through energy rebates, expedited solar permitting, and other assistance programs.
Ann Arbor’s Home Energy Rebate program provides rebates to income-qualified households for certain projects, including battery storage with a capacity of at least 13 kWh or more. Property owners nationwide can also take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which offers a nonrefundable 30% credit to owners who invest in solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells, or battery storage technology between now and 2032. After 2032, the credit percentage drops to 26% and 22% by 2034.
Ann Arbor also offers expedited permitting for solar installations. While other major improvements often require multiple permits with costly fees and long waiting times, the city has set up a fast-tracked approval process for residential solar installations. For most projects, only an electric permit is required. The city doesn’t charge for line item solar fees, application fees, or plan reviews for approved projects. Not all residential solar installations qualify for the expedited solar permitting process, so you’ll need to check with the Ann Arbor Building Department to find out more.
The first step is to understand all of the incentives (federal, state, and local) that you can take advantage of. If the thought of researching that is daunting, don’t worry! Solar Micro Grid Systems has compiled a list of government resources you can access.
The next step is understanding cost savings. While most property owners can expect significant savings, knowing exactly how much you’ll save on future energy bills and what type of system you’ll need is critical. We offer a free Solar Savings Estimate resource to help you better understand how much you could save based on your location and average energy use. After you submit your information, one of our Solar advisors from Solar Micro Grids System will provide a no-obligation quote.
With all of the cost-saving incentives and financing options available, there’s no reason not to go solar! When you make the switch, you’ll help Ann Arbor get one step closer to their 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
If you’re still not sure if going solar is the right move for your household, you can contact one of our representatives, who can answer any questions you may have about solar panels or battery storage systems. We’ve been helping homeowners and property owners across Michigan make the switch, and we’re ready to help you, too!
Ready to take control of your power? Contact us for more information on our suite of comprehensive solutions and for a free, no-obligation quote. Act now and start saving sooner!
