Solar Panels Cost 5.5k-16k in Forest Hills CDP, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.5k-$16k in Forest Hills CDP, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Forest Hills CDP, MI in 2024?

To have a solar system averages out to $3.97 per watt in Forest Hills CDP, MI in the month of October, 2024.

According to this price per watt, we can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can produce, you will need to invest $3,970 for its installation. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, you will pay about $13,895 for a 5 kW solar panel install in Forest Hills CDP. It's important to note that a more extensive system could be needed to meet your energy requirements.

To the left,select your area to see the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity of solar panels for homes in your county. Below is a summary 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.
Forest Hills CDP: $13,895US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Forest Hills CDP: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Forest Hills CDP: $8,480US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Forest Hills CDP

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Forest Hills CDP.

Roof size 697sq. ft.
Capacity 9.75kW DC
Electricity 10.4kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Forest Hills CDP, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

For Forest Hills CDP energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $118.04 per month, with a usage of 621 kWh. These figures incorporate apartments and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption.

In October 2024, Forest Hills CDP, MI's mean electricity rate amounts to 19¢ per kWh.

If you’re an average electricity consumer in Forest Hills CDP you must have a 6 kW or more sized system to cover your entire electricity usage needs. Upfront, a 6 kW solar installation is around $23,820, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, lowering the cost to $16,674.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Forest Hills CDP

To your left, we have provided a full pricing details for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Forest Hills CDP. Naturally, with a larger solar system, there will be a larger initial investment, but the advantages consist of greater energy savings and greater income tax credits.

View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $118.04 in Forest Hills CDP. Adjust the $118.04 to your average electricity bill payment for customized results.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $519 a year
Est. Price
$5,558
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $43
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.49 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 68 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,689 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,337
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $65
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 103 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,533 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,116
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.98 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 137 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,378 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$13,895
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $108
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.73 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 171 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,222 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$16,674
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $118
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.06 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 187 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,056 mi less a year

Forest Hills CDP Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.

The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which makes solar appealing and feasible for a variety of homeowners. A variety of state and local incentives are available to support the use of solar energy.

Different utilities and government entities in Michigan provide 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

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?

For those in Forest Hills CDP intending to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. A 5 kW solar system in Forest Hills CDP, MI could potentially save you $14,434.6 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Forest Hills CDP, MI

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and are entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal, as recent examples in the news have highlighted.

Each year, utility customers in Forest Hills CDP have encountered an average of 0.96 outages per year. Usually, outages have an average duration of 181.99 minutes. However, during critical events like equipment failure, earthquakes or construction accidents, these times can extend dramatically.

Whether or not it includes a backup battery, a solar panel system could mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kent County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Forest Hills CDP, MI?

Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is lowered as the system size increases. It is often beneficial for individuals to set up a solar system that can make enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.

Make & Model - Similar to other products, solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. The installer’s preference for system makes it essential to choose a reputable installer. Investing in superior quality makes and models can result in a much better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. The majority of installers use these types of panels.

Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like trees, uneven landscapes, or other impediments may add to the complexity of the installation. Using satellite images, solar installers these days can assess your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies lead to expenses that are borne by the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be affected by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Good local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Forest Hills 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.

Forest Hills CDP, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Forest Hills CDP, MI is $3.97/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Forest Hills CDP, MI is estimated to cost $13,895.

  • If you live in Michigan, you can find 14 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.

  • Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet several financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Forest Hills CDP, MI pay for themselves in 10 years, with homeowners saving approximately $14,434.6 on electricity over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01