Solar Panels Cost $5.8k-$17k in Charlevoix County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Charlevoix County, MI in 2024?
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To go solar is around $4.2 per watt in Charlevoix County, MI in December, 2024.
It will cost $4,200, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) your panels can produce. A 5 kW system in Charlevoix County averages approximately $14,700 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. A 5kW system may not be big enough to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left, you can choose your county to find the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. Below, you can see a summary of 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.
Charlevoix County: $14,700US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Charlevoix County: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Charlevoix County: $6,161US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Charlevoix County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Charlevoix County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Charlevoix County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Charlevoix County, the average electric bill is 113.17 per month, and residents use 619 kWh. Smaller houses, such as condos and duplexes, are also encompassed in the figures mentioned in the previous sentence.
As of December 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Charlevoix County, MI amounts to 18.28¢.
At this time, a 6 kW solar system is priced at $25,200, but with a 30% tax credit, it is reduced to $17,640
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Charlevoix County
Displayed on the left and below is the pricing structure for various sizes of solar panel systems installed in Charlevoix County. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is greater, but it also yields more significant electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.
The solar panel calculator, positioned down and to the right, provides a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $113.17 electric bill for Charlevoix County. For tailored results, update the $113.17 to what your average electricity bill is.
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 $492 a year
Est. Price
$5,880
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $41
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.54 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 71 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,810 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $738 a year
Est. Price
$8,820
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,716 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$11,760
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,621 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$14,700
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 177 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,526 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,476 a year
Est. Price
$17,640
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.24 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 195 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,500 mi less a year
Charlevoix County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
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. Not sure if you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to nearly everyone, which makes solar power a smart investment in numerous parts of the country. A variety of regional and state programs are in place to support solar energy adoption.
A total of 17 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Michigan from multiple utilities and government bodies.
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 Charlevoix County, MI?
For those looking to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Charlevoix County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Charlevoix County, MI, you can expect to save roughly $12,460.8 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 11 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Charlevoix County, MI
If you don't have solar panels or an alternate backup power source, you forgo the previously mentioned savings and your household is completely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by numerous recent news reports, total reliance on your utility isn't always the best situation.
Each year, the average number of outages per customer in Charlevoix County is about 0.99. Outages generally last for an average of 132.93 minutes. During major occurrences like winter storms, wildlife damage, or overloaded power grids, these times can extend significantly.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Charlevoix County.
A solar energy system, with or without a backup battery or not, can relieve the pressure of future power outages you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Charlevoix County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Charlevoix County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - When opting for larger solar panel systems, the overall expense is greater; however, the cost per watt decreases with an increase in system size. Homeowners often find that setting up a solar system to replace their electric bill is a good move, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Because the installer you choose might have particular brand preferences, selecting a recommended contractor is especially important. Opting for higher quality equipment generally ensures a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Many solar panel installers choose this type of material.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges like uneven land, trees, or other challenges can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. These days, solar installers commonly utilize satellite images to assess your home and factor in these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varied employee wages paid by companies lead to costs that consumers ultimately paying . Higher wages generally correlate with better reviews for businesses' services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. That said, experienced local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Charlevoix County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Charlevoix County?
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Charlevoix County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In December, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Charlevoix County, MI is $4.2/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $14,700 in Charlevoix County, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.
In Michigan, you have access to 17 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing options from installers will often be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Charlevoix County, MI can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 11 years, with an estimated $12,460.8 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
