David Detrisac – MI

Federal incentives instill Michigan homeowner’s faith in solar

By: Gabe Hutchison

David Detrisac’s journey to becoming a solar homeowner began at church. As a member of the Presbyterian Church of Okemos Green Team, he helped the Michigan congregation install a solar array in 2023. This experience taught him about the process and benefits of going solar, inspiring him to pursue those same advantages for his home. “My motivation for solar is the same at home as it is at church—to try to make the earth and our environment better than we got it,” he said.

In 2022, the federal government passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Among other pro-solar investments, the legislation created a pathway for tax-exempt entities like David’s church to access federal solar incentives, which were previously unavailable. It also crucially extended and increased the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of a solar system’s cost from their federal income taxes.

Motivated by this incentive, David installed a 19.2-kilowatt (kW) array with a battery backup in January 2024. Thanks to the IRA, he can reduce the overall cost, including the optional batteries, by 30%. “The tax credit is a significant benefit,” he said, adding that he will roll any unused portion of the credit over to secure the maximum savings—about $18,000.

The system has cut David’s reliance on utility electric power in half. “We have lots of electronics, so we use a significant amount of energy,” he said. His electric vehicle now runs on power produced by his solar array.

David’s experience highlights the impact of the IRA in making solar more accessible. Whether for tax-exempt entities like his church or homeowners like himself, the legislation is helping more people tap into the benefits of distributed renewable energy.