Brian Hayden is a homeowner in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a long-time employee in the solar industry, he dreamed of becoming energy independent. In 2022 the dream became reality.
The ball
For Hayden, the panels were too expensive to justify—until he discovered a group discount in Ann Arbor through the Solarize campaign, according to Solar United Neighbors. The initiative brings neighborhoods together to purchase solar systems in bulk to make them affordable. Solarize also partners with a green bank to provide low-interest financing.
Hayden combined this with a 30% tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act's Residential Clean Energy Credit. This made it possible to install a 7.5 kilowatt system at his home. He said the federal tax credit is the “difference maker” and reiterated his choice by adding, “It's an amazing investment.”
Another Ann Arbor resident, Pete Olin, also took advantage of the program. This gave his family a 15% discount on panels. Combined with other offers, the household saved $9,500 by installing a solar system.
How it helps
Hayden's household has learned how solar energy improves lives. Those looking for additional benefits in addition to the IRA tax credit should consider resources like EnergySage, which has free tools to provide and compare prices by location.
Hayden's experience shows what homes could look like under the positive influence of solar energy. He noted how the panels stabilize electricity bills. Electricity prices are rising, with a price increase of 1.8% expected in 2025.
Savings from investing in solar energy ensure security. It allows people to create emergency funds or invest in greener home and lifestyle projects by saving thousands of dollars over the lifecycle of the panels.
The panels encouraged Hayden to think about electrification. Additional production could fuel a charger for an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle could further reduce its carbon footprint, keep pollutants out of the air and reduce reliance on dirty fuels.
The car could serve as a backup power source in the event of a failure. Unified Power said the modules could also power innovative energy storage, including sodium-nickel batteries that are 30% smaller and 70% lighter than traditional technologies. This would make his home more resilient as rising global temperatures and intense weather put pressure on grid infrastructure.
🗣️ If you were installing solar panels at home, which of these factors would be your main motivation?
🔘 Energy independence ⚡
🔘 Lower electricity bills 💰
🔘 Helping the planet 🌎
🔘 No chance I'll ever switch to solar energy 🚫
🗳️ Click on your selections to see the results and express your opinion
He is considering a hybrid heat pump to diversify generation. These are also eligible for IRA tax incentives. These advantages make solar energy one of the most cost-saving and carbon-friendly solutions for electricity.
What everyone says
Information from companies like EnergySage and community efforts will be critical in the coming years as President-elect Donald Trump may phase out IRA subsidies and loans. Fortunately, the process, which would require congressional approval, would be arduous and take a long time.
“You should figure out what makes sense for your house or your car and then find all the incentives you can to make it a no-brainer,” Hayden said.
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