Solar Panels Cost $2.8k-$14k in Delta County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Delta County, MI in 2024?
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In Delta County, MI in December, 2024 you will spend about $4.12/W to get a solar system.
According to the cost, expect the price to be $4,120, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can generate. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend about $14,420, in Delta County, for a 5 kW solar setup. It's important to note that a more powerful system may be necessary to satisfy your energy requirements.
Choose your county from the menu on the left to see the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see an overview of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Delta County: $14,420US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Delta 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.
Delta County: $5,361US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Delta County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Delta County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Delta County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Delta County energy consumers typically pay 108.17 per month for electricity, with an average usage of 513 kWh. Small residences, including duplexes, are also encompassed in the figures noted in the prior sentence.
For December 2024, the mean electricity rate in Delta County, MI is 21.07¢ per kWh.
Right now, a 5 kW solar installation will cost you approximately $20,600, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $14,420.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Delta County
Presented on the left and below is the price breakdown for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Delta County. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is larger, but they also provide more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator below and to the right analyzes costs and benefits, considering an average $108.17 electric bill in Delta County Adjust the $108.17 to fit your average bill payment for customized outcomes.
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 $287 a year
Est. Price
$2,884
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,367 kWh
Est. monthly savings $24
Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.43 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 20 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,074 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $574 a year
Est. Price
$5,768
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $48
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.87 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 40 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,148 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $861 a year
Est. Price
$8,652
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $72
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 60 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,222 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,148 a year
Est. Price
$11,536
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $96
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 80 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,296 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,435 a year
Est. Price
$14,420
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 90 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,848 mi less a year
Delta 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 farms. Curious if you qualify? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you verify.
Homeowners can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for installing residential solar panels, making solar power a sensible option across much of the country. Moreover, a number of state and local programs are available to incentivize solar adoption.
Multiple utilities and government organizations in Michigan have 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 Delta County, MI?
For those in Delta County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Delta County, MI, the average savings over a 20 period is $11,540.8, with break even generally occurring at 11 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Delta County, MI
Apart from missing out on the aforementioned savings, not installing solar panels or any backup energy system leaves you totally reliant on your electric utility for power. Recent news coverage has demonstrated that full reliance on your utility company isn't always the most favorable scenario.
In recent years, customers in Delta County have experienced an average of 1.02 utility outages each year. Outages typically last for an average of 134.32 minutes. Major occurrences like aging infrastructure, lightning strikes or planned maintenance can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Delta County.
Whether or not a backup battery is included, a solar panel system could reduce the impact of future power outages you might encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Delta County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Delta County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is larger, the price per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can offset their electric bill is highly beneficial. This strategy results in increased savings.
Make & Model - As with many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment available. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it important to pick a reputable installer. Buyers who opt for better materials generally enjoy a superior long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the industry standard, and deservedly so. Even though they are more expensive, they produce more energy. The majority of installers utilize panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Trees, uneven land, or other obstacles can make the installation process more challenging. With the use of satellite images, many solar installers currently can evaluate your home and include these elements into the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies cause expenses that are passed on to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will influence your final installation cost. That said, reputable local installers will be able to build these numbers into your first quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Delta County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Delta County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in December, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Delta County, MI is $4.12/W. In Delta County, MI, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $14,420 after federal tax incentives.
Residents of Michigan can currently take advantage of 17 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
While paying cash provides the most savings, various financing options for solar panels exist that also are financially sensible. Financing options from installers will often be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, in Delta County, MI, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 11 years, and users save around $11,540.8 in electricity costs over 20 years.