Article Summary –
Ann and George Siegle installed solar panels on their home, funded by a 30% tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and a rebate from the Lansing Board of Water and Light, significantly reducing their energy bills. The IRA, signed by President Biden in 2022, aims to lower energy costs, create jobs, and mitigate climate change, positioning Michigan as a leader with 62 new clean energy projects, $26 billion investments, and over 21,000 jobs. Michigan lawmakers and climate advocates highlight the importance of utilizing IRA tax credits for renewable energy to achieve significant carbon emission reductions by 2030 and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040.
An East Lansing family celebrated their new solar panels with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 5, joined by Michigan lawmakers and climate advocates.
Ann and George Siegle’s solar panels were funded by a 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act and a solar rebate from the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Normally unaffordable, the solar panels were a boon for the Siegles, who use a lot of power due to working from home and their children’s multiple devices. Ann noted clean energy reduced their energy bills by half.
“We are super happy the federal tax credit was available. For our kids’ future, Michigan’s future, and our planet, that’s what we do,” she said.
The IRA, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, is touted as historic climate crisis legislation, aimed at lowering energy costs, creating jobs, and reducing climate change impacts.
Since the IRA was enacted, Michigan has become a leader in clean energy manufacturing. According to Climate Power, the state has secured 62 new clean energy projects, generated over $26 billion in investments, and created more than 21,000 jobs.
In 2023, over 117,000 Michigan families claimed more than $134 million in tax credits under the IRA. Credits can also be used for energy-efficient tech, such as heat pumps and insulation.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow praised the Siegles’ use of IRA credits as a real-life example of effective policy benefiting Americans.
“What Ann and George are doing is part of a win-win-win: more jobs, lower costs, and less pollution,” Stabenow said, citing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that IRA investments will reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
East Lansing Democratic state Sen. Sam Singh and state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou attended the ceremony. Both supported clean energy laws that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law last year, mandating 100% renewable energy by 2040.
Tseneroglou emphasized the need for everyone to adopt renewable energy for a healthier future.
“It’s my hope that more residents in East Lansing and beyond will learn about the valuable tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act and use them for climate change benefits,” said Tsernoglou.
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