Solar Panels Cost 10k-21k in Fair Plain CDP, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Fair Plain CDP, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Fair Plain CDP, MI in 2024?

To get a solar system averages out to $3.88 per watt in Fair Plain CDP, MI in October, 2024.

It will cost you $3,880, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacity that your solar panels have. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay about $13,580, in Fair Plain CDP, for a 5 kW solar panel install. Keep in mind that a larger system may be necessary to adequately cover your energy demands.

Select your county from the menu on the left to determine the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Displayed below is an analysis of the price, payback period, and 20-year average 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.
Fair Plain CDP: $13,580US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Fair Plain CDP: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Fair Plain CDP: $11,481US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Fair Plain CDP

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Fair Plain CDP.

Roof size 572sq. ft.
Capacity 8kW DC
Electricity 8.5kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Fair Plain CDP, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Fair Plain CDP residents generally have an average monthly electric bill of $128.67 per month, with an average consumption of 809 kWh. Smaller homes, including condos and bungalows, are also part of the numbers mentioned in the previous sentence.

In October 2024, the average electricity rate in Fair Plain CDP, MI is 15.9¢ per kWh.

The typical electricity consumer in Fair Plain CDP has to have an 8 kW or larger solar setup to cover their full electricity usage demands. Right now, an 8 kW setup is priced at around $31,040 initially, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total comes to $21,728.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Fair Plain CDP

To the left below, you can see the price breakdown for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Fair Plain CDP. With bigger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.

The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, presented in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $128.67 in Fair Plain CDP. Replace the $128.67 with your usual electricity bill for more accurate results.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $875 a year
Est. Price
$10,864
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $73
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.34 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 107 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,783 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,094 a year
Est. Price
$13,580
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.92 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 134 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,228 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,312 a year
Est. Price
$16,296
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $109
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.5 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 161 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,674 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,531 a year
Est. Price
$19,012
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,569 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $128
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.09 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 188 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,120 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,750 a year
Est. Price
$21,728
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,936 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $129
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.13 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 190 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,232 mi less a year

Fair Plain CDP Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Small businesses and agricultural enterprises in rural areas may see between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant. Think you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.

A 30% federal tax credit is accessible to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions throughout the United States. Moreover, there are various state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

A total of 14 solar rebates and incentives are available in Michigan through multiple utility companies and government organizations.

Solar incentives in MI

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.

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.

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.

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 Michigan?

If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Fair Plain CDP. A 5 kW system in Fair Plain CDP, MI will save the average homeowner, on average, $17,300.8 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Fair Plain CDP, MI

Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that total reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Fair Plain CDP is 1.32. Typically, outages have an average duration of 260.05 minutes. However, during significant events such as earthquakes, vandalism, or overloaded power grids, these times can drastically increase.

Having a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could alleviate the strain of any future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Berrien County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Fair Plain CDP, MI?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is greater, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, leading to optimal savings.

Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector features a range of solar panel brands and designs. Picking an installer with certain system preferences means it's even more important crucial to go with a reputable contractor. Buyers often find that utilizing better quality materials leads to a more positive long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's not surprising that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even with a higher cost, this technology produce more energy. The majority of installers choose panels crafted using this material.

Your Property - Elements such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other hindrances might complicate the installation process. Nowadays, solar installers commonly leverage satellite images to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the different wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Businesses that pay higher wages often get higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact your installation cost. Good local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Fair Plain CDP?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Cinci Home Solar

Cincinnati, OH(513) 616-6044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Fair Plain CDP, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As recorded in October, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Fair Plain CDP, MI is $3.88/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,580 in Fair Plain CDP, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.
  • Utilities and government agencies in Michigan are currently offering 14 different rebates and incentives. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
  • Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Fair Plain CDP, MI is 9 years, with expected savings of $17,300.8 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01