Solar Panels Cost $9.6k-$19k in Cass County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Cass County, MI in 2024?
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On average, in Cass County, MI in the month of November, 2024, the cost per each watt of solar panels is $3.44/W.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panel system can generate, you will have to invest, on average, $3,440 to have it installed. In Cass County, after receiving the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system sets you back $12,040. It's vital to note that a more powerful system could be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements.
Use the left-hand menu to select your area and find out the typical roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your county. Below, you can see a detailed outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year typical 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.
Cass County: $12,040US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cass County: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cass County: $22,522US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Cass County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Cass County.
Roof size 804sq. ft.
Capacity 11.25kW DC
Electricity 12kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Cass County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Cass County, the typical kWh usage is 891 per month, and the electric bill is 165.51. Remember that apartments and smaller dwellings, which typically have reduced energy consumption, are encompassed in this number.
The average electricity rate in Cass County, MI in November 2024 is 18.57¢ per kWh.
The cost of a an 8 kW setup is approximately $27,520 before any incentives, but the federal tax credit provides a 30% credit, reducing your total to $19,264.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Cass County
Presented below and to the left, you will see a thorough price breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Cass County. Although a bigger solar installation carries a larger expense, it also provides greater electricity savings and higher 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 $165.51 in Cass County. Change the $165.51 with your typical electricity bill to get customized results.
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 $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$9,632
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.75 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 80 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,334 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$12,040
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.19 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,418 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$14,448
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.63 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 121 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,501 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,818 a year
Est. Price
$16,856
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,569 kWh
Est. monthly savings $152
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,585 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,078 a year
Est. Price
$19,264
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,936 kWh
Est. monthly savings $166
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.36 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 154 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,310 mi less a year
Cass County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural small businesses and agricultural properties, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Think you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar attractive and practical for a variety of homeowners. Moreover, several state and local programs are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
In Michigan, 17 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from 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 Cass County, MI?
For those planning to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a obvious choice in Cass County. A 5 kW solar system in Cass County, MI might save you an average of $27,682.4 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Cass County, MI
Beyond forgoing the savings discussed previously, not installing solar panels or another form of backup power results in you being completely dependent on your electric utility. The media has demonstrated several cases where total dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.
Annually, customers in Cass County have dealt with approximately 1.2 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Cass County have dealt with approximately 1.2 utility outages. On average, each outage lasts for 202.99 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, planned maintenance, or aging infrastructure can considerably extend these durations.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Cass County.
Whether a backup battery is included or not, a solar panel system could reduce the burden of potential future outages.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cass County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cass County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size grows. For most consumers, installing a system that can generate enough power to reduce their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. Picking an contractor with specific brand preferences means it's even more important important to go with a recommended company. The choice of high-quality models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have earned their place as the industry standard, and for good reasons. Even with a higher cost, this technology produce more energy. The majority of installers choose panels constructed using this material.
Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like uneven land, trees, or other obstructions may add to the complexity of the installation. Currently, most solar installers can assess your home using satellite images and incorporate these elements for the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies pay their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. It is typical for businesses that offer higher wages to garner better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees differ by area and will impact your final install price. Quality local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Cass County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Cass County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Cass County, MI as of November, 2024 is $3.44/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,040 in Cass County, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.
If you live in Michigan, you can find 17 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Cash payments provide the greatest savings, but numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially advantageous are now available. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Cass County, MI is achieved in 6 years, with electricity savings amounting to $27,682.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
