Solar Panels Cost 3.0k-15k in Alpena, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $3.0k-$15k in Alpena, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Alpena, MI in 2024?

For the month of October, 2024, the price per watt of solar panels in Alpena, MI is $4.36/W, on average.

For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend, on average, $4,360 for installation. We are able to come to this conclusion in accordance with this rate price cost per watt. A 5 kW solar panel install in Alpena will typically cost you $15,260 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. Your electricity use habits might need a bigger system.

To the left, you have the option to select your county and view the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panels in homes in your area. Outlined below are the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Alpena: $15,260US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Alpena: 15 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: $-1,503US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Alpena

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Alpena.

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Alpena, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

For Alpena energy consumers, the average electric bill is $84.57 per month, with a usage of 512 kWh. Small residences, including duplexes, are also encompassed in the statistics cited in the previous sentence.

As of October 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Alpena, MI is 16.51¢.

If you’re a typical energy user in Alpena, you will need a solar system sized at 5 kW or more to meet your electricity needs. At the moment, a 5 kW solar panel installation is priced at $21,800, but with a 30% tax credit, it is reduced to $15,260

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Alpena

On the left and below, you can see the cost breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Alpena. A bigger solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also yield more significant electricity savings and increased income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator situated below and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $84.57 in Alpena. To get results more personalized, change the $84.57 to match your average electricity bill.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $232 a year
Est. Price
$3,052
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,367 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $19
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.08 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,145 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $465 a year
Est. Price
$6,104
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $39
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.16 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 191 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,291 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $697 a year
Est. Price
$9,156
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $58
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 286 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 15,436 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $930 a year
Est. Price
$12,208
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $77
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 8.31 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 382 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 20,581 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,162 a year
Est. Price
$15,260
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $85
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 419 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 22,584 mi less a year

Alpena Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

For rural small businesses and agricultural enterprises, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

A 30% federal tax credit is offered to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions in the United States. In addition to the federal incentives, state and local programs also seek to boost solar energy uptake.

A number of utilities and governmental bodies in Michigan provide 14 solar rebate and incentive programs.

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.

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.

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.

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 Michigan?

If you're expecting to live in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Alpena. A 5 kW solar system in Alpena, MI could potentially save you $5,036.8 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 15 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Alpena, MI

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and are wholly reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.

Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Michigan is about 1.04. Usually, outages have an average duration of 151.92 minutes. However, during critical events like equipment failure, landslides or planned maintenance, these times can extend dramatically.

Installing a solar panel system, irrespective of whether it has a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Alpena County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Alpena, MI?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Numerous people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can replace their entire electric bill. This leads to maximum savings.

Make & Model - Like many other products, there are various makes and models of solar panels available. The installer you select may have specific system preferences, so it's crucial to pick a reputable contractor. Buyers who choose better equipment typically enjoy a better long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels are more costly, yet they generate more energy. The majority of installers usually utilize panels crafted of this material.

Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Trees, uneven ground, or additional challenges can make the installation more difficult. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages that companies pay their employees are different, and these expenses are ultimately passed on in consumer prices. It is frequent for businesses that offer higher wages to get better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Alpena?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Cinci Home Solar

Cincinnati, OH(513) 616-6044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Alpena, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Alpena, MI as of October, 2024 is estimated at $4.36/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Alpena, MI, after deducting federal tax credits, is $15,260.

  • Residents of Michigan can currently take advantage of 14 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.

  • Although cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Alpena, MI averages 15 years, with electricity savings of about $5,036.8 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01