Solar Panels Cost 3.0k-15k in Houghton, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $3.0k-$15k in Houghton, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Houghton, MI in 2024?

Going solar in October, 2024 in Houghton, MI costs about $4.31/W.

According to the price, solar panel installations will cost you approximately $4,310 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of production capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend around $15,085, in Houghton, for a 5 kW solar system. Please consider, a 5kW system might not be sufficient to satisfy your energy demands.

On the left, choose your county to see the typical roof size and the maximum generation capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Below, you'll find a full outline 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.
Houghton: $15,085US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Houghton: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Houghton: $4,812US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Houghton

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

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

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

For Houghton energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $109.84 per month, with a usage of 395 kWh. Small residences, including lofts or apartments, are also encompassed in the statistics noted in the prior sentence.

The rate of electricity in Houghton, MI, averaging, is 27.82¢ per kWh in October 2024.

If you’re a typical energy user in Houghton you must have a 4 kW or more sized system to meet all of your power needs. At this time, a 4 kW solar system will cost you approximately $17,240, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $12,068.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Houghton

To the left and below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in Houghton. As expected, with a more extensive solar system, you'll see a greater initial expense, but the benefits are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located to the right and below, gives a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $109.84 electric bill for Houghton. Change the $109.84 to your average bill payment for custom results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $383 a year
Est. Price
$3,017
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,367 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $32
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,967 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $765 a year
Est. Price
$6,034
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $64
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.4 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 110 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,934 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,148 a year
Est. Price
$9,051
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $96
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.6 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 165 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,901 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,531 a year
Est. Price
$12,068
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $110
  • Full payback in 9 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
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,914 a year
Est. Price
$15,085
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $110
  • Full payback in 11 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

Houghton Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and agricultural operations might have their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Believe you might be eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check your eligibility.

With the accessibility of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a viable solution for most homeowners, notably in numerous parts of the country. There are also a range of state and local efforts aimed at boosting solar energy use.

Michigan has 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from multiple utilities and government agencies.

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?

Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Houghton. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Houghton, MI will, on average, save you $11,276.6 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Houghton, MI

The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be completely reliant on your electric utility for power. Recent media examples have shown that full reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

Customers in Houghton have experienced an average of 1.48 utility outages per year in recent times. Each outage lasts an average of 204.6 minutes. In the case of major events such as heavy rain and flooding, vandalism, or grid management errors, this period can increase substantially.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could relieve the stress of future power disruptions you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Houghton County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Houghton, MI?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is decreased with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is greater. Setting up a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is advantageous to consumers because of the money saved.

Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment on the market. Your contractor’s potential system preferences make it more important to select a reputable installer. Higher quality makes and models often provide a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Even though they are more expensive, they generate more energy. The majority of installers work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two homes or properties are the same. Elements such as trees, uneven ground, or additional obstacles might complicate the installation process. These days, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these considerations in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are offered to employees by various companies, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will influence your final installation cost. Experienced local installers will incorporate these numbers into your first quotes to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Houghton?

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.

Houghton, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Houghton, MI is $4.31/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Houghton, MI will roughly cost $15,085.

  • Homeowners in Michigan can take advantage of 14 different rebates and incentives from a variety of utility companies and government agencies. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Although cash payments yield the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Many installers will detail information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.

  • Yes, in Houghton, MI, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 11 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $11,276.6 over a 20-year period.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01