Solar Panels Cost $5.8k-$17k in Chippewa County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Chippewa County, MI in 2024?
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Getting a solar system in the month of November, 2024 in Chippewa County, MI costs approximately $4.2/W.
In accordance with the cost per watt, you are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can generate, you will have to invest $4,200 to have it installed. After subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar system in Chippewa County typically costs $14,700. To adequately cover your energy needs, you could need a bigger system.
To the left, you can choose your county to see the average roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Below is an analysis of the costs, 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.
Chippewa County: $14,700US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Chippewa County: 13 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Chippewa County: $1,546US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Chippewa County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Chippewa County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Chippewa County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
On average, a Chippewa County energy consumer uses 652 kWh and pays 93.94 per month for electricity. Please be aware that this figure covers apartments and smaller residences, which typically require reduced energy.
In November 2024, the electricity rate in Chippewa County, MI averages 14.4¢ per kWh.
Currently, a 6 kW solar system will cost around $17,640 after incentives.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Chippewa County
Available below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems in Chippewa County. A more extensive solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also provide higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
In the solar panel cost calculator found to the right and below, you can view a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $93.94 electric bill in Chippewa County. For results that are more personalized, adjust the $93.94 to match your typical electricity bill.
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 $383 a year
Est. Price
$5,880
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $32
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 53 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $574 a year
Est. Price
$8,820
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $48
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.03 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 1 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 80 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $765 a year
Est. Price
$11,760
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $64
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.04 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 2 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 106 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $957 a year
Est. Price
$14,700
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $80
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 2 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 133 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,148 a year
Est. Price
$17,640
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $94
Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 3 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 157 mi less a year
Chippewa County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses. If you feel you might be eligible, we suggest utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar practical and practical for a diverse set of homeowners. A variety of state and local incentives are offered to promote the use of solar energy.
Michigan features 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives provided by multiple 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 Chippewa County, MI?
If your goal is to maintain your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Chippewa County. With a 5 kW solar system in Chippewa County, MI, the average savings over a 20 period is $7,845.6, with break even usually occurring at 13 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Chippewa County, MI
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings discussed previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. As we've seen in many recent news reports, full reliance on your utility isn't always ideal.
In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Chippewa County has been about 2.06. The average duration of each outage is 213.8 minutes. During severe events like grid management errors, landslides or planned maintenance, these times can grow significantly longer.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Chippewa County.
Whether or not a backup battery is included, a solar panel system could help ease the impact of future power outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Chippewa County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Chippewa 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 increases. Many people find it useful to install a solar energy system that can replace their entire electric bill. This results in optimal savings.
Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Taking into account the certain brand preferences an installer might have, picking a reputable contractor is important. Choosing superior quality equipment usually provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. They have a higher price, but they provide more energy. Most solar panel installers choose this type of material.
Your Property - Trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the complexity of the installation. Nowadays, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by region, will affect your final installation price. Quality installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Chippewa County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Chippewa County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In Chippewa County, MI, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in November, 2024 is $4.2/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Chippewa County, MI is roughly $14,700.
Currently, Michigan residents can benefit from 17 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. On top of that, nearly everyone can qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are many financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Chippewa County, MI is 13 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $7,845.6.