Solar Panels Cost $5.5k-$16k in Bay County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Bay County, MI in 2024?
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The average cost per watt for solar panels in Bay County, MI in November, 2024 is estimated at $3.96/W.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panel system can produce, you will need to spend, on average, $3,960 to have it installed. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, you will pay approximately $13,860, in Bay County, for a 5 kW solar installation. A larger system may be required to adequately cover your energy consumption.
To the left, you can select your county to find the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Outlined below are the 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.
Bay County: $13,860US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Bay 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.
Bay County: $8,798US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Bay County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Bay County.
Roof size 554sq. ft.
Capacity 7.75kW DC
Electricity 8.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Bay County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electricity bill for a Bay County resident is 119.16, with a monthly consumption of 627 kWh. Small houses, such as condos and duplexes, are also covered in the statistics cited in the preceding sentence.
The average electricity rate in Bay County, MI in November 2024 is 18.99¢ per kWh.
At the moment, a 6 kW solar panel system will initially set you back around $23,760, but the 30% federal income tax credit reduces the total to $16,632.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Bay County
On the left and below, there is the cost breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Bay County. Although a more extensive solar installation has a larger expense, it also brings increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, provides a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $119.16 electric bill for Bay County. Swap the $119.16 with your average electricity bill for more accurate 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
$5,544
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 1.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,454 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,316
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 2.7 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 124 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,681 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,088
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 3.6 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 165 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,908 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$13,860
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 4.5 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 207 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,135 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$16,632
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $119
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.95 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 12,245 mi less a year
Bay County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to find out.
For residential solar projects, most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar a practical solution in various parts of the country. State and local efforts are also in place to enhance the growth of solar energy use.
Michigan has 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives offered by various utilities and government 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 Bay County, MI?
For homeowners in Bay County expecting to remain in their homes after the payback period for solar panels, solar energy is a sensible choice. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Bay County, MI, you can expect to save around $14,738.4 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Bay County, MI
In addition to forgoing the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As recent examples in the news have shown, total dependence on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.
Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Bay County has been about 0.77. On average, an outage lasts 137.35 minutes. Major events such as equipment failure, earthquakes or wildlife damage can significantly extend these time frames.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Bay County.
Having a solar panel system, regardless of whether it has a backup battery, could relieve the pressure of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Bay County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Bay County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt decreases as the size of the system grows. Setting up a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is beneficial to individuals because of the savings gained.
Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. The preferences for brand that your contractor has may make it crucial to select a recommended contractor. For consumers seeking a better long-term experience, opting for higher quality materials is important.
Solar Panel Type - It's obvious why monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They are more expensive but provide more energy. Most professionals in solar installation use panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Uneven landscapes, trees, or other challenges may complicate the installation. Using satellite imagery, solar installers can currently assess your home and include these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The different employee wages offered by companies result in costs that consumers eventually paying . Higher reviews for services and customer service are generally associated with businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable local installers will build these figures into your initial estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Bay County cities
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Bay County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Bay County, MI is $3.96/W. The cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Bay County, MI is about $13,860post federal tax credit.
Michigan offers 17 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Opting for cash payments yields the highest savings, but there are now various financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Installers will often provide details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, the typical duration for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay back their cost in Bay County, MI is 10 years, with electricity savings estimated at $14,738.4 over 20 years.