U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow Leads Rooftop Solar Ribbon Cutting in East Lansing

East Lansing, Mich. – U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow was joined this morning by State Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh, State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, and climate advocates to celebrate the success of the rooftop solar array at the home of East Lansing residents Ann and George Siegle. The solar panels are reducing the Siegle family’s electric bill by generating clean, renewable energy, and were installed by Lansing-based Absolute Solar with help from a 30% tax credit available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and a $2,000 solar rebate from the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Since the IRA tax credits were authorized as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s historic clean energy plan, more than 117,000 Michigan families have benefited from more than $134 million in tax credits to lower the costs of clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades to their homes during 2023.

“Today, we saw how the Inflation Reduction Act is delivering real results for families, farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers in Michigan,” said Sen. Stabenow. “Thanks to the solar tax credit, families like Ann’s were able to install solar panels, saving money on their monthly utility bills and tackle the climate crisis at the same time. It’s a win-win for homeowners and our environment.”

“The Inflation Reduction Act has been a great opportunity for states all across the country to begin to implement clean energy strategies. I was pleased that by the end of last fall, we were able to pass legislation that got signed by Governor Whitmer that moved Michigan towards 100% clean energy by 2040,” said Sen. Singh.”I want to thank Senator Stabenow for her leadership and our congressional delegation for ensuring that the IRA happened. And thanks to the Biden-Harris administration for those resources because it really pushed our legislature to get this done so our residents can benefit from these tax credits”

“Seeing East Lansing residents get on board with renewable energy is incredibly satisfying, but not at all surprising. We’re a smart and progressive community and we’re stepping up to do our part to reverse the negative impacts of climate change and create a better future for our community and our state,” Rep. Tsernoglou said. “It is my sincerest hope that more residents here in East Lansing, across Michigan and around the country will take the time to learn more about the valuable tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act and take advantage of the benefits they reap for themselves and our environment to positively impact climate change.”

“We are super happy that the federal tax credit was available to us because it enabled us to install our solar panels. And that it’s for our kid’s future, for Michigan’s future, for the future of our country, and our planet,” said Ann Siegle. “I encourage my neighbors and my fellow Michiganders to check out the tax credits available if you’re contemplating an investment in clean energy at your homes.”

“The solar business is exploding right now – in a good way – and we know that the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act have a lot to do with it, for both residential and commercial projects,” said Absolute Solar’s Pete Morgan. “That money is there for homeowners like Ann to make a strong investment in your home and to get some money back in your pocket while you do it. It’s truly a wonderful win-win situation for everyone involved. We are proud to play a small part in the clean energy revolution that is moving across Michigan one solar panel at a time.”

“We are seeing a wave of Michigan residents that are saving money, making home improvements, and slashing their energy use thanks to the refunds provided by the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Bentley Johnson, Federal Government Affairs Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Thanks to climate champions at all levels of government, hundreds of millions of dollars are heading out the door into clean energy and energy efficiency projects across the state, from solar panels to new electric heating and cooling systems to insulation that make homes more comfortable and efficient. With new Inflation Reduction Act programs rolling out at the state level every month, it’s exciting to know that we are just getting started.”

Today’s event was organized by Climate Power and Rewiring America, who are working with local homeowners around the country to host front porch ribbon cuttings that celebrate the investments they have made in clean energy for their homes. These investments were made possible by the billions of dollars worth of tax credits available to American homeowners to purchase solar panels, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric vehicles and chargers, energy efficient windows, and appliances, as well as to help cover energy audits and home weatherization work.

Michigan residents can learn more about the IRA credits and use Rewiring America’s online savings calculator to determine how much they can save through the Inflation Reduction Act.

A selection of photos from today’s event is available here.

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