Solar Panels Cost $5.4k-$16k in Grand Traverse County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Grand Traverse County, MI in 2024?
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It averages out to $3.89/W to go solar in the month of November, 2024 in Grand Traverse County, MI.
Expect costs to be $3,890, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can generate. We can come to this conclusion by applying this rate price cost per watt above. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend about $13,615, in Grand Traverse County, for a 5 kW solar system. Please consider, a 5kW system might not be sufficient to ensure your energy requirements are met.
Choose your county from the menu on the left to find the typical roof size and maximum residential solar capacity for homes in your area. You can review the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Grand Traverse County: $13,615US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Grand Traverse 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.
Grand Traverse County: $7,704US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Grand Traverse County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Grand Traverse County.
Roof size 751sq. ft.
Capacity 10.5kW DC
Electricity 11.1kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Grand Traverse County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Grand Traverse County energy consumers, the typical electric bill is 113.14 per month, with a usage of 639 kWh. This number also factors in the energy needs of apartments and smaller homes.
As of November 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Grand Traverse County, MI amounts to 17.71¢.
After incentives, a 6 kW setup will cost around $16,338.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Grand Traverse County
Presented on the left, you will find a price breakdown for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Grand Traverse County. When you select a larger solar system, the cost is greater, but it also yields more significant electricity savings and a greater income tax credit.
The breakdown of costs and benefits for solar panels, presented in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $113.14 in Grand Traverse County. For results that are more personalized, change the $113.14 to align with your average electricity bill.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $492 a year
Est. Price
$5,446
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $41
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.53 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 70 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,788 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $738 a year
Est. Price
$8,169
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,683 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$10,892
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,577 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$13,615
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.83 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,471 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,476 a year
Est. Price
$16,338
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.22 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,439 mi less a year
Grand Traverse County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
With the REAP Grant, up to 100% and no less than 80% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines may be covered for rural small business owners and farmers. Believe you fit the criteria? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For residential solar projects, most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit, making solar a practical solution in various parts of the country. On top of that, there are many state and local incentives to further promote the adoption of solar energy.
Michigan has 17 solar rebate and incentive programs provided by various utilities and government agencies.
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 Grand Traverse County, MI?
If you expect to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Grand Traverse County. A 5 kW solar system in Grand Traverse County, MI could potentially save you $13,538.6 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Grand Traverse County, MI
The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you miss out on the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal.
Lately, customers in Grand Traverse County have typically encountered 0.85 utility outages per year. On average, the length of an outage is 125.83 minutes. Major events like heavy rain and flooding, overloaded power grids, or construction accidents can cause these durations to rise considerably.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Grand Traverse County.
A solar panel system could lessen the burden of future outages, even if it lacks a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Grand Traverse County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Grand Traverse County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is higher, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Many consumers realize it's a good idea to install a solar system that can generate enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, similar to many other products, come in a variety of makes and models. Because the installer you select might have particular brand preferences, selecting a highly rated company is especially important. The selection of superior equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are broadly acknowledged as the standard in the industry, and for good cause. Although they are costlier, they provide increased energy. Many installers use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Elements like sloping terrain, trees, or other impediments might complicate the installation process. Today, many solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies lead to expenses that are passed on to the consumers. Companies paying higher wages usually garner better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which differ by area, will impact the cost of your installation. That said, reputable local installers will be able to incorporate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Grand Traverse County cities
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Grand Traverse County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Grand Traverse County, MI as of November, 2024 is $3.89/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Grand Traverse County, MI is estimated to cost $13,615.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Michigan are offering 17 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Although cash payments offer the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Many installers will include information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.
Yes, in Grand Traverse County, MI, the average time for 5 kWsolar panel systems to pay for themselves is 10 years, leading to electricity savings of $13,538.6 over a 20-year period.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
