Solar Panels Cost $3.0k-$15k in Alpena County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Alpena County, MI in 2024?
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In Alpena County, MI in November, 2024, the current cost per watt of going solar is at $4.36/W
Stemming from this price per watt, you can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $4,360 for installation. A 5 kW system in Alpena County will generally cost you $15,260 after the 30% federal tax credit is applied. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be sufficient to fully meet your energy demands.
To the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panel systems for houses in your area. Find below a detailed overview of the {price|costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Alpena County: $15,260US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Alpena County: 14 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Alpena County: $-682US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Alpena County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Alpena County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Alpena County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Alpena County residents, the average monthly kWh usage is 479, with an average electric bill of 87.99. Smaller homes, including micro-apartments, are also included in the statistics noted in the previous sentence.
The rate of electricity in Alpena County, MI, averaging, is 18.38¢ per kWh for November 2024.
Putting in a a 5 kW solar system will cost around $21,800 upfront, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get a 30% credit, reducing the cost to $15,260.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Alpena County
On the left, you will find a breakdown of prices for different solar panel system sizes installed in Alpena County. Even though a more extensive solar installation carries a greater cost, it also yields higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, visible in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $87.99 in Alpena County. If you want more personalized results, just adjust the $87.99 to whatever your typical electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $246 a year
Est. Price
$3,052
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,367 kWh
Est. monthly savings $21
Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,458 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $492 a year
Est. Price
$6,104
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $41
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.6 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 165 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,916 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $738 a year
Est. Price
$9,156
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.4 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 248 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 13,373 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$12,208
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 331 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 17,831 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$15,260
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $88
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.73 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 355 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19,132 mi less a year
Alpena County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you fit the criteria? Confirm your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to most people, making solar a practical option in various states. A multitude of state and local programs are in place to encourage the use of solar energy.
Michigan residents have access to 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from multiple utilities and governmental organizations.
Solar incentives in MIIncentive Description Value
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Value:Up to $30,000
Single-family homes or multifamily properties up to four units may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). Eligible projects range from energy efficient lighting to new residential solar photovoltaic systems (up to 20 kW). Available principal for a HELP loan ranges from $1,000 to $30,000. Repayment plans range from 12 - 120 months. Interest rates will vary but typically range from 4.25 - 6.99%. To apply, proof of property ownership and standard credit checks are required. Applicants should have a minimum FICO credit score of 640, and a maximum debt to income ratio of 1:2. Additional information is available from the Michigan Saves website.
Michigan Saves - Business Energy Financing
Value:Up to $1,000,000
Small businesses, nonprofits, and owners of multifamily or public-sector buildings in Michigan may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the Michigan Saves Business Energy Financing Program (BEFP). BEFP loans carry special interest rates and repayment terms. Eligible projects range from energy efficient lighting to new solar, wind, or geothermal energy devices. Interested property owners may consult the Michigan Saves website for additional information and to download a pre-approval checklist. The website also contains a directory of lending partners that service BEFP loans.
Interconnection Standards
Value:Varies
Distributed generation and interconnection have been standardized by the Michigan Public Service Commission since 2003. Each energy system connected to the state grid will be assigned into one of five "categories" based on rated capacity. Systems at each level must follow recognized standards such as those set by IEEE or UL. Interconnection fees and application review turnaround will depend on the system's level. Customers must carry at least $1 million of liability insurance coverage on energy systems between 1 to 5 MW by law. Though external disconnect switches are not required centrally, utilities may request that they be installed prior to interconnection. After successful connection, customers will own any renewable energy credits they generate and may sell them to the utility at their discretion.
City of Ann Arbor - Green Power Purchasing
Value:Varies
The city of Ann Arbor is working toward a long-term goal of sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable means. Four initiatives support this goal, including community-choice power purchasing agreements, solar/wind system incentive programs, establishing community solar microgrids, and converting retired landfills into solar farms. Additional information is available from the Ann Arbor website.
Renewable Energy Standard
Value:Varies
Michigan requires private/municipal utilities and electric retailers/cooperatives to submit Renewable Energy Plans detailing their compliance with the state's portfolio standards. By 2021, 15% of each company's electricity should be sourced from renewable means. Eligible technologies include solar PV, wind, biomass, solid waste, and currently-operational hydroelectric systems (new hydro does not count toward the standard). Compliance is measured through a renewable energy credit system pegging electrical capacity to a dollar value. The standard law includes "bonus credit" provisions which a utility may earn for exceeding their standard quota or using an in-demand renewable technology. Additional information is available from the Michigan state website.
Refundable Payroll Tax Credit
Value:Varies
The NextEnergy Zone is located on the Wayne State University Detroit campus. The area is a Renaissance Zone, allowing renewable energy companies and institutions who locate inside to receive certain tax incentives. Incentives specific to the NextEnergy Zone include indirect payroll tax credits for a company's employees, provided they work directly with renewable energy manufacturing or R&D. Credit amount is equal to an employee's salary times their state income tax rate as a percentage. Should credit exceed liability, a refund will be issued for the remainder of the credit amount. Additional information is available through the NextEnergy Authority website.
Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF)
Value:Varies
The Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) is a public benefits fund in Michigan. LIEEF is supported by the state's three largest power companies through monthly consumer surcharges. Rather than supporting incentive or rebate programs, LIEEF funding supports request-for-proposal programs and grant initiatives to support low-income Michiganders in adopting on-site renewable energy or making other energy efficiency improvements. Additional information is available from the Michigan Public Service Commission, which administers the fund.
City of Grand Rapids - Green Building Requirements for Municipal Buildings
Value:Varies
Grand Rapids has adopted a local green building ordinance for municipal facilities. New public buildings and remodeling projects which affect at least 10,000 square feet or cost $1 million must meet or exceed LEED Silver certification or an equivalent standard. Existing buildings should draft plans to implement LEED-friendly improvements and "best practices", including procuring ENERGY STAR certified appliances and building materials when necessary. Additional information is available from the city website.
Michigan Accelerating Technologies (MATch) Energy Grant
Value:Varies
Michigan Accelerating Technology (MAT) is a grant program managed by the state's NextEnergy authority. Through MAT, businesses and educational institutions that receive federal grants supporting energy sustainability or alternative transportation research may be eligible to have their awards matched at the state level. Grant recipients may be eligible to contract some services to the NextEnergy Authority (for example, statistical analysis and supply chain research.) Additional information is available from the NextEnergy website.
Energy Efficiency in State Buildings
Value:Varies
Michigan first established a mandatory renewable portfolio standard in 2008. The standard required at least 25% of the state's energy to be sourced from renewable means by 2015. The standard was part of a larger restructuring law which also established green construction standards for new state buildings, energy efficiency "best practices" for existing buildings, and a new agency to regulate wind power in the state. Additional information is available from the federal Energy Codes database.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
Private/municipal utilities and electric cooperatives in Michigan are required to offer "inflow-outflow" tariff program participation to new renewable energy and distributed generation customers. This program serves as the successor to traditional net metering, which is expected to be phased out in full by 2028. Under an inflow-outflow contract, customers are technically billed for all electricity they generate, including excess generation (EG) sent to the grid. Rather than paying for all generated energy, however, they will only owe the cost of their "nettable energy" in that cycle. Nettable energy is equal to total power generated at the standard billed cost minus EG at a different "credit rate." As with net metering, should generation exceed consumption, any remaining bill credits will be applied to subsequent cycles. Additional information is available from the Michigan state website.
City of Lansing - Green Power Purchasing Policy
Value:Varies
Lansing has established its own renewable portfolio standard goals. The city was required to source 20% of its energy from renewable means by 2020 and 50% by 2030. Additional measures set goals for reducing energy use by 10% in city buildings. Additional information is available from the Lansing municipal website.
Alternative-Energy Personal Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
The NextEnergy Zone is located on the Wayne State University Detroit campus. The area is a Renaissance Zone, allowing renewable energy companies and institutions who locate inside to receive certain tax incentives. Incentives specific to the NextEnergy Zone include property tax exemptions on renewable energy systems, alternative vehicles, and corporate belongings. Eligible property must be completely new to Michigan; real estate does not qualify for exemptions. Additional information is available through the NextEnergy Authority website.
Solar Contractor Licensing
Value:Varies
Special licenses are available for installation/repair contractors of solar thermal systems in Michigan. Certified HVAC contractors do not need a separate license to install solar devices. To obtain a solar thermal license, applicants should have three years of experience as a journeyman and pass an exam. A trade school diploma counts as one year of experience. There is currently no special licensure for solar photovoltaic contractors. Solar contractors of any specialty may need to subcontract certain plumbing or electrical work. Additional information is available through the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Lean and Green Michigan PACE
Value:Varies
Lean and Green Michigan is a statewide property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program that offers special financing for energy efficiency improvements and equipment. Multi-family residential and commercial property owners alike may consult with PACE representatives to design a competitive loan with a private lending partner. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Single-family homes are ineligible for PACE funding due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot take ownership of a mortgage with an active PACE lien. Interested property owners should visit the Lean and Green Michigan website.
Renewable Energy Program Grants
Value:Varies
Funding for renewable energy grants and initiatives may be provided by the Michigan Energy Office. Grants support educational programs for local governments and businesses on renewable energy adoption. Communities may obtain personalized feasibility studies or examine prototype equipment. Additional information is available from the Michigan Agency for Energy website.
Renewable Energy Renaissance Zones
Value:Varies
"Renaissance Zones" are clearly designated locations in Michigan in which renewable energy developers may qualify for special tax incentives. Qualifying facilities will earn a 15-year property tax abatement and are exempt from state corporate, education, and income taxes, along with some local taxes. Eligible construction includes new solar, wind, or biomass facilities. Capital construction for institutions researching or manufacturing renewable energy products may also qualify for exemptions. Applications for Renaissance Zone incentives will consider potential economic impact. Additional information is available from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation website.
Are solar panels worth it in Alpena County, MI?
If you expect to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Alpena County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Alpena County, MI, you can expect to save approximately $5,857.6 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 14 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Alpena County, MI
Opting not to install solar panels or a separate backup energy solution results in you missing out on the savings noted earlier and makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As we've seen in numerous recent news reports, complete reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
Residents in Michigan have encountered around 0.84 outages per year on average. On average, an outage lasts 113.98 minutes. Major events such as winter storms, equipment failure, or construction accidents can significantly extend these time frames.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Alpena County.
Whether featuring a backup battery or not, a solar panel system can help alleviate the stress of possible future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Alpena County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Alpena County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is reduced as the system size grows. Many consumers realize it's a good idea to set up a solar system that can produce enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them reduce costs.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a range of makes and models. It's important to choose a highly rated contractor, considering the brand preferences that contractors may have. Buyers often find that using better quality equipment leads to a more satisfactory long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. The majority of installers utilize panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Irregular terrain, trees, or other obstructions may complicate the installation process. These days, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Different companies have varying pay scales for their employees, and these costs are ultimately borne by consumers. It is often observed that businesses with higher wages garner superior reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be impacted by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by area. Quality local installers will incorporate these figures into your preliminary estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Alpena County cities
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Alpena County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Alpena County, MI as of November, 2024 is $4.36/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Alpena County, MI is estimated to cost $15,260.
There are 17 rebates and incentives available in Michigan from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash offers the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options is typically detailed in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Alpena County, MI averages 14 years, with electricity savings of about $5,857.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
