Solar Panels Cost 5.6k-16k in Gladwin County, MI | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.6k-$16k in Gladwin County, MI | November, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gladwin County, MI in 2024?

Solar panel installations in Gladwin County, MI in the month of November, 2024 have an average cost of $4.03 per watt.

In accordance with this price, you can come to the conclusion that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your system can produce you will have to invest $4,030 to have your solar system installed. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay about $14,105 for a 5 kW panel install in Gladwin County. It should be noted that a larger system may be essential to satisfy your energy requirements.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to see the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Below is a breakdown 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.
Gladwin County: $14,105US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gladwin County: 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.
Gladwin County: $8,638US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Gladwin County

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Gladwin County.

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Gladwin County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

On average, Gladwin County energy consumers have a monthly electric bill of 119.95 and use 629 kWh. Please note that this statistic accounts for apartments and smaller residences, which usually use reduced energy consumption.

For November 2024, Gladwin County, MI's mean electricity rate is 19.07¢ per kWh.

The price of aa 6 kW solar setup comes to $24,180 initially, but with the 30% federal tax credit, the total cost drops to $16,926.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Gladwin County

To the left side and below, you can find the pricing details for different sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Gladwin County. With bigger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can get.

The calculator below and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $119.95 in Gladwin County. More tailored results can be gotten by adjusting the $119.95 to your typical bill amount.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $519 a year
Est. Price
$5,642
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 1.51 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 70 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,749 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,463
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 2.27 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,623 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,284
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 3.03 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 139 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,498 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$14,105
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 3.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 174 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,372 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$16,926
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $120
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 193 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,393 mi less a year

Gladwin County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. Curious if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you find out.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar a sensible option in various states. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also aim to boost solar energy uptake.

In Michigan, different utilities and government bodies offer 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

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.

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 Gladwin County, MI?

If you plan to reside in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Gladwin County. A 5 kW system in Gladwin County, MI will enable you to save you personally, on average, $14,683 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gladwin County, MI

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings discussed earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. As illustrated in numerous recent news reports, total dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

Each year, the utilities in Gladwin County have recorded about 0.96 outages per customer. On average, the length of an outage is 176.38 minutes. Major events like construction accidents, grid management errors or landslides can cause these durations to rise considerably.

See the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Gladwin County.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Gladwin County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gladwin County, MI?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. It is often beneficial for homeowners to install a solar system that can generate enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which results in significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor. Selecting better quality materials usually provides a more positive long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - For several valid reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Factors such as trees, uneven landscapes, or additional hurdles may cause the installation to be more difficult. These days, the majority of solar installers can leverage satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees often receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact the cost of your installation. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to guarantee transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other Gladwin County cities

    Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

    Who are the best solar installers in Gladwin County?

    YellowLite

    Cleveland, OH(216) 333-1364

    Services

    • 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.

    Academy Energy Group

    Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • 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.

    Power Home Solar

    Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

    Services

    • 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.

    Dividend Finance

    Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

    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.

    Palmetto Solar

    Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

    Services

    • 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.

    SunPower Corporation

    San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Reparation of solar arrays.
    • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
    • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
    • 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(407) 832-42452

    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.

    Harvest Solar

    Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

    Services

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

    Sunnova Energy

    Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

    Services

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

    GRNE Solar

    Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

    Services

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

    Entegrity

    Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Reparation of solar arrays.
    • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
    • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
    • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
    • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
    • Consulting on all things solar related.

    Ideal Energy

    Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

    Services

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

    Altenergy

    Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

    Services

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

    City Electric Supply

    Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

    Services

    • Installation of solar arrays.
    • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
    • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
    • 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.

    Gladwin County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

    • In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Gladwin County, MI is $4.03/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Gladwin County, MI is roughly $14,105.
    • Currently, Michigan residents can benefit from 17 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
    • Paying cash will lead to the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Installers frequently offer financing options and will include them in your initial quotes.
    • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Gladwin County, MI averages 10 years, with electricity savings of about $14,683 over 20 years.
    Alex Zdanov
    Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
    Published: 2024-11-04