Solar Panels Cost $5.6k-$17k in Arenac County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Arenac County, MI in 2024?
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It is around $4.07 per watt to go solar in Arenac County, MI in November, 2024.
Utilizing this rate, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) of solar generation capacounty will require an investment of $4,070 for installation. After deducting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Arenac County generally costs $14,245. Subject to your electricity usage, your home could require a larger system.
On the left-hand side, you can select your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are the price, 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.
Arenac County: $14,245US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Arenac County: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Arenac County: $8,438US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Arenac County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Arenac County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Arenac County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Across Arenac County, the average electric bill for an energy consumer is 119.95, with a typical monthly usage of 629 kWh. This number also comprises data from smaller living spaces like apartments with reduced energy demand.This data set reflects the energy usage patterns of smaller dwellings, including apartments.
The average electricity rate in Arenac County, MI in November 2024 is 19.07¢ per kWh.
Currently, a 6 kW solar panel installation will be priced at around $24,420 upfront, but the federal income tax credit will provide a 30% reimbursement, reducing the price to $17,094.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Arenac County
To the left below, you'll find the cost breakdown for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Arenac County. When you select a larger solar system, the cost is higher, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.
In the solar panel cost calculator situated down and to the right, you can view a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $119.95 electric bill in Arenac County. Easily change the $119.95 to your regular electricity bill for more precise results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $519 a year
Est. Price
$5,698
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $43
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.52 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 70 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,766 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,547
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.28 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,648 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,396
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.04 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,531 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$14,245
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 175 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,414 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$17,094
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $120
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.22 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,439 mi less a year
Arenac County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. If you believe you might be eligible, we suggest using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar power a good investment in various parts of the country. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to further promote the adoption of solar power.
Michigan residents have access to 17 solar rebate and incentive programs from multiple utilities and governmental agencies.
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 Arenac County, MI?
If you're planning to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, installing solar panels is a good decision in Arenac County. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Arenac County, MI will, on average, save you $14,543 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Arenac County, MI
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent media coverage has made it clear that relying solely on your utility isn't always the best idea.
In recent years, customers in Arenac County have typically experienced 0.96 utility outages per year. Each outage, on average, lasts for 176.38 minutes. In the case of major events like high winds, grid management errors, or wildlife damage, this period can rise substantially.
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Arenac County.
Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the pressure of future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Arenac County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Arenac County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is higher, the cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring maximum savings.
Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Selecting an installer with specific brand preferences means it's even more vital important to go with a highly rated company. The selection of better materials can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the go-to choice in the industry. Even though they are more expensive, they provide more energy. Many installers work with panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges may complicate the installation. Today, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs related to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Frequently, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will affect the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will integrate these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Arenac County cities
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Who are the best solar installers in Arenac County?
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Arenac County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Arenac County, MI is $4.07/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Arenac County, MI is estimated to cost $14,245.
Utilities and government agencies in Michigan are currently offering 17 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash will result in the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Financing options from installers will often be specified in your initial quotes.
Yes, in Arenac County, MI, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 10 years, and users save around $14,543 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
