Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Berrien County, MI | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Berrien County, MI in 2025?
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Solar systems in Berrien County, MI during February, 2025 typically are $3.81 per watt.
Or in other words, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,810 to get your system installed in . After deducting the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Berrien County typically totals up to around $13,335. Note that a more powerful system may be required to adequately cover your energy requirements.
On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. The following summary, below, highlights 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.
Berrien County: $13,335US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Berrien County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Berrien County: $13,782US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Berrien County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Berrien County.
Roof size 572sq. ft.
Capacity 8kW DC
Electricity 8.5kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Berrien County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average monthly electric bill for a Berrien County energy consumer is 136.80, based on an average usage of 815 kWh. Smaller homes, including condos and bungalows, are also encompassed by the statistics indicated in the previous sentence.
In February 2025, the electricity rate in Berrien County, MI averages 16.79¢ per kWh.
Before any incentives, an 8 kW solar panel system will cost around $30,480, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $21,336.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Berrien County
Displayed on the left, you will find a price breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Berrien County. As expected, a more extensive solar system implies a greater initial expense, but it also results in increased electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
Look at the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below to see the cost and benefit details calculated from an average $136.80 electric bill in Berrien County. If you want more personalized results, just modify the $136.80 to whichever your average electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $930 a year
Est. Price
$10,668
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $77
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,162 a year
Est. Price
$13,335
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $97
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 32 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,394 a year
Est. Price
$16,002
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $116
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 38 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,627 a year
Est. Price
$18,669
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,569 kWh
Est. monthly savings $136
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 45 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,859 a year
Est. Price
$21,336
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,936 kWh
Est. monthly savings $137
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 45 mi less a year
Berrien County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
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. Wondering if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you find out.
Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for installing residential solar panels, which makes solar power a feasible option across much of the country. Moreover, many state and local programs are intended to encourage more people to adopt solar power.
In Michigan, multiple utilities and government organizations offer 17 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Berrien County, MI?
Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Berrien County. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Berrien County, MI will, on average, save you $19,497 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Berrien County, MI
The absence of solar panels or another backup power source results in missing out on the previously highlighted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. Recent news coverage has revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.
Each year, the utilities in Berrien County have recorded about 0.98 outages per customer. Outages generally last for an average of 136.62 minutes. During major occurrences like lightning strikes, overloaded power grids, or wildlife damage, these times can extend significantly.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Berrien County.
A solar energy system could help mitigate the effects of future outages, with or without a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Berrien County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Berrien County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in optimal savings.
Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels. Because the installer you select might have particular brand preferences, choosing a reputable contractor is even more important. Consumers who opt for better equipment usually enjoy a more favorable long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have established themselves as the standard in the industry, and justifiably so. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Many installers choose panels made using this material.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like uneven land, trees, or additional challenges can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, the majority of solar installers are able to utilize satellite images to assess your home and incorporate these elements for the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay employees get from their employers are different, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Businesses often get higher reviews for their services and customer service when they offer better wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be affected by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by location. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Berrien County cities
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Berrien County, MI as of February, 2025 is $3.81/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Berrien County, MI, after deducting federal tax credits, is $13,335.
Residents of Michigan can currently take advantage of 17 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the best savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Information about financing options is typically provided in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Berrien County, MI averages 8 years, with electricity savings of about $19,497 over 20 years.