The city of Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, is now offering residents financial incentives for switching to clean energy, MLive reported. The plan, which has been under consideration since 2022, was recently approved thanks to a unanimous vote in the City Council.
Incentives range from $100 to $3,500 in rebates and can be claimed by residents who do things like install rooftop solar panels, home battery systems, air source heat pumps, electric heat pump water heaters or purchase an electric bicycle.
The highest amount of money you can claim for a single installation – $3,500 – will be paid to income-eligible residents who install an air source heat pump. Residents who install a heat pump but earn more than $100,400 per year for a one-person household (or $114,800 for a two-person household, $129,200 for a three-person household, etc.) can claim $2,500.
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A heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system for your home that is extremely efficient – much more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer thermal energy – effectively moving heat from the ground into your home or vice versa. Because they work by transferring heat rather than generating it, they can be much less wasteful than other heating and cooling methods.
The program includes $4.25 million to be spread over two years. So if you happen to live in Ann Arbor and this is the first you've heard of it, stick around while supplies last. The program is run by Elevate Energy, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago.
Even if you don't live in Ann Arbor, you can take advantage of financial incentives to switch to clean energy alternatives through rebates offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. Rewiring America has free tools to help residents find contractors and take advantage.
Based on comments from the incoming presidential administration, it is not clear how long these incentives will last. So don't wait too long to take advantage of IRA discounts and tax credits.
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