Solar Panels Cost $2.9k-$14k in Cheboygan County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Cheboygan County, MI in 2024?
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The typical cost per watt of solar in Cheboygan County, MI in November, 2024 is estimated at $4.16/W.
Applying the cost per watt, solar panels will cost you about $4,160 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of production capacounty. On average, the cost for a 5 kW system in Cheboygan County, after the 30% federal tax credit, comes to $14,560. Don't overlook, a bigger system may be needed to satisfy your energy demands.
By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. You can review the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Cheboygan County: $14,560US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cheboygan County: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cheboygan County: $4,292US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Cheboygan County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Cheboygan County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Cheboygan County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average monthly electric bill for Cheboygan County residents is 104.55, with an average usage of 544 kWh. Smaller homes, such as apartments, are also encompassed in the numbers noted in the previous sentence.
The rate of electricity in Cheboygan County, MI, averaging, is 19.23¢ per kWh for November 2024.
The upfront cost for a 5 kW solar panel system is $20,800, but with a 30% tax credit, your total comes down to $14,560.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Cheboygan County
On the left side below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Cheboygan County. A more extensive solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, presented in the calculator below and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $104.55 in Cheboygan County. To achieve personalized results, alter the $104.55 to align with your usual electricity payment.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $260 a year
Est. Price
$2,912
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,367 kWh
Est. monthly savings $22
Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 39 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,111 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $519 a year
Est. Price
$5,824
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $43
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.71 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 78 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,222 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,736
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.56 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 118 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,334 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,648
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.41 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,445 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$14,560
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $105
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.14 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 190 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,242 mi less a year
Cheboygan County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural small businesses and farms can benefit from the REAP Grant, which may cover between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Almost all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a feasible option in various states in the country. A variety of regional and state programs are available to encourage solar energy adoption.
There are 17 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Michigan by 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 Cheboygan County, MI?
For those expecting to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is a smart choice in Cheboygan County. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Cheboygan County, MI, you might save $10,532 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at approximately 12 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Cheboygan County, MI
In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. The news has recently pointed out that total reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
On average, there are 1.16 outages per customer each year in Cheboygan County. On average, each outage lasts for 185.08 minutes. Major events like wildfires, planned maintenance, or aging infrastructure can considerably extend these durations.
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Cheboygan County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cheboygan County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cheboygan County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often discover that setting up a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a smart choice, leading to the most savings.
Make & Model - Similar to other products, solar panels come in a range of makes and models. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's crucial to pick a recommended contractor. The employment of high-quality materials is likely to yield a more positive long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels cost more but yield more energy. Many installers in the industry utilize panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like trees, irregular terrain, or additional considerations may add to the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers currently use satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies result in expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Reviews for work and customer service are frequently higher for businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will impact your final installation price. Quality installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Cheboygan County cities
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Who are the best solar installers in Cheboygan County?
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
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Cheboygan County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Cheboygan County, MI is $4.16/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Cheboygan County, MI will roughly cost $14,560.
If you live in Michigan, you can find 17 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Cash payments offer the highest savings, yet multiple financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Cheboygan County, MI generally see a payback time of 12 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $10,532 over a 20-year period.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
