Solar Panels Cost $8.2k-$19k in Kalamazoo County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Kalamazoo County, MI in 2024?
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Going solar averages out to $3.94/W in the month of November, 2024 in Kalamazoo County, MI.
It will cost you $3,940, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacounty that your solar panels have. After the 30% federal tax credit, the average expense for a 5 kW panel install in Kalamazoo County is approximately $13,790. Please keep in mind that a more powerful system might be essential to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left side, select your county to discover the typical roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panel systems for homes in your area. Displayed below is an analysis 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.
Kalamazoo County: $13,790US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kalamazoo County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kalamazoo County: $13,595US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Kalamazoo County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Kalamazoo County.
Roof size 697sq. ft.
Capacity 9.75kW DC
Electricity 10.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Kalamazoo County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Kalamazoo County households typically consume 733 kWh each month and have an average monthly electric bill around 138.73. Smaller houses, including condos and duplexes, are also encompassed in the statistics mentioned in the previous sentence.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Kalamazoo County, MI amounts to 18.94¢ per kWh.
Presently, a 7 kW solar system will be priced at around $27,580at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, reducing the total to $19,306.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kalamazoo County
Displayed on the left side, you'll see a detailed cost summary of the multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Kalamazoo County. The investment for a more extensive solar panel setup is larger, but it also yields more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator positioned down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $138.73 in Kalamazoo County. Change the $138.73 with your average electricity bill to get customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$8,274
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.02 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 93 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,008 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$11,032
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.7 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 124 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,678 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$13,790
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.37 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 155 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,347 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$16,548
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $130
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 186 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,016 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,818 a year
Est. Price
$19,306
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,569 kWh
Est. monthly savings $139
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.33 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 199 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,721 mi less a year
Kalamazoo County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Believe you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.
Installing residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, accessible to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas across the country. Additionally, there are numerous state and local incentives to further promote the adoption of solar energy.
Different utilities and governmental bodies in Michigan offer 17 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Kalamazoo County, MI?
For those in Kalamazoo County intending to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. A 5 kW solar system in Kalamazoo County, MI might save you an average of $19,505.2 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Kalamazoo County, MI
Beyond missing out on the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or an alternative backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. As evidenced by recent news stories, full reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.
Each year, customers in Kalamazoo County face about 1.1 outages. The average length of an outage is 192.35 minutes. However, during significant events such as lightning strikes, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage, this duration can grow considerably.
View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Kalamazoo County.
Installing a solar panel system, irrespective of whether it features a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of future outages you might encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kalamazoo County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kalamazoo County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is larger, the price per watt diminishes as the system gets larger. It is often beneficial for consumers to set up a solar system that can produce enough electricity to offset their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, come in different makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it essential to pick a reputable company. Better quality materials often result in a more positive long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. They have a higher price but are more efficient. Most solar panel installers use panels made of this type of material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, uneven land, or other impediments can make the installation more challenging. With the use of satellite images, solar installers these days can evaluate your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Various wages are offered to employees by various companies, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees often garner higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be affected by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to guarantee transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Kalamazoo County cities
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Kalamazoo County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Kalamazoo County, MI is $3.94/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,790 in Kalamazoo County, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.
There are 17 rebates and incentives available in Michigan from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Cash payments yield the greatest savings, but many financing options for solar panels that are cost-effective are now available. Many installers have financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Kalamazoo County, MI pay for themselves in 8 years, with homeowners saving approximately $19,505.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
