Michigan winters are cold, but the sun still shines for more than half of the year. Michigan's solar generation lags behind other states, but Assembly Solar, Michigan's largest solar farm, remains profitable when it launches in 2022. From Motor City to Muskegon, residents of the Upper and Lower Peninsula are using solar power . Panels to generate electricity in their homes and reduce electricity costs.
Michigan's average electrification rose slightly last year . Michigan's average electric bill was more than $121 in October 2022, the 15th highest nationally, according to SaveOnEnergy, which is owned by parent company CNET.
cost of solar panels michigan
According to FindEnergy.Com, the average home in Michigan needs a smaller solar panel system than the rest of the country to meet its energy needs. Because fewer panels are needed, the average Michigan solar system is more expensive than the national average, even though panels are much more expensive. The exact cost of solar energy will ultimately depend on your home's energy consumption and the size of your solar system.
Michigan vs. USA
| | Plant size (kw) | cost per watt | The price is fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Michigan | 7 kW | $4.14 | $28,989 |
| national average | 8.6 kW | $3.67 | $31,558 |
Solar financing options for Michigan residents
Solar panels in Michigan are usually paid for with cash, solar loans, solar leases, or power purchase agreements. Cash is the only interest-free way to pay for solar panels, but it requires significant initial capital. A solar loan is an alternative to buying solar panels and getting tax credits, but you will have to pay interest. Solar leases and power purchase agreements will generally save you less money than the above options and won't qualify for tax credits, but are often more financially viable than buying.
Advertiser disclosure : SaveOnEnergy, owned by Red Ventures, parent company of CNET, can help you find the right energy for your home. The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you find, compare, save and save the right energy for your home, all for free. If you are interested in solar energy, answer a few questions to get a detailed quote from our solar consultants.
Solar panel incentives and rebates in michigan
Michigan's largest solar stimulus is the Residential Clean Energy Credit. This 30% solar tax credit applies to solar panels purchased between 2022 and 2032 and can save you over $8,500 at an average solar system cost of $28,980.
Michigan Solar Incentives
Michigan Solar Panel Companies
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, there are more than 60 solar installers available to Michigan residents. Below, we've named five of the best solar installers who operate in Michigan based on customer reviews and buying trends.
green sign
Green Panel is one of several solar energy companies headquartered in Grand Rapids and Brighton. Green Panel is an authorized distributor and installer of many leading solar products from Enphase, Panasonic, SolarEdge, Tesla and more. You can buy your system outright or finance it with a loan. The product warranty depends on the component brand chosen for the system.
Michigan Solar Solutions
Michigan Solar Solutions has been honored by Omnidian for its "Energy Money Back Guarantee," which includes free system monitoring for three years. According to their handbook (PDF), "If your system produces less than 95% of its expected power, even in bad weather, we pay you for the annual power loss." The company is rated 4.9 stars out of 10 by GuildQuality, which surveys customers in the homebuilding industry.
Palm sun
Palmetto operates in 24 states and is one of the largest solar installers in the country. With REC solar panel installers and QCells, Palmetto offers personalized service from start to finish . Palmetto also offers subscriptions for post-install system monitoring.
solar energy
SunPower has been in business for over 30 years and operates in all 50 states. While budgets are low, SunPower's in-house products and services are among the best in the business. You can buy or rent your system and enjoy a 25-year warranty.
Sun tiger
Tiger Solar is a regional solar energy company serving Idaho, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia. The company promises an "excellent" sales force and works with "credit associations and syndicates" whose sole aim is to connect them to green finance.
Five things to consider before installing solar panels
In addition to determining your budget, solar installer, purchase, and financing method, consider these five aspects of your home when considering residential solar panels.
ownership or lease. Homeowners are poised to get the best incentives and returns on their investment with solar panels. Renters looking to take advantage of renewable energy should consider community solar programs such as Arcadia.
roof condition. If your roof needs repairs before solar panels are installed, factor those costs into your budget. Make sure your installer advises you how the size and slope of your roof will affect panel placement and performance.
position. A sunny roof with unobstructed view will generate more electricity.
Neighborhood rules and the HOA . Michigan does not have a solar bill of rights, which means homeowners associations can ban solar panels. Check your area's ordinances before beginning a solar installation. The installer can help you with that.
Home insurance . Check with your home insurance company to make sure your solar system is covered under your policy.
Frequently asked questions about solar energy in Michigan
Are Michigan Solar Panels Worth It?
Michigan solar panels may be worth the investment if your energy bills are high and your home has the ability to run solar energy efficiently. A reputable solar installer can give you an estimate of the cost and return on investment for solar panels. Get three or four quotes from different solar companies to see if solar panels are worth it for your home.
Can I get free solar panels in Michigan?
Totally free solar panels are not an option in Michigan. However, there are many federal and state incentives that benefit homeowners and businesses when purchasing solar panel systems in the state.
How much do solar panels cost in Michigan?
According to Find Energy, solar panels in Michigan cost about $29,000 for an average system size of 7 kilowatts. The cost of solar panels in Michigan is slightly higher than the US national average.
