Solar Panels Cost $5.9k-$17k in Kalkaska County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Kalkaska County, MI in 2024?
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It averages out to $4.28 per watt to get solar panels installed in December, 2024 in Kalkaska County, MI.
According to the rate per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panel system can generate, you will have to spend $4,280 for its installation. In Kalkaska County, the cost of a 5 kW system is generally $14,980, after you deduct 30% federal tax credit. However, please keep in mind that a more extensive system could be necessary to ensure your energy requirements are met.
Choose your county from the menu on the left to find out the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Shown 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.
Kalkaska County: $14,980US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kalkaska County: 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.
Kalkaska County: $5,634US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Kalkaska County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Kalkaska County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Kalkaska County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Kalkaska County generally pay 112.64 per month for electricity, with an average monthly usage of619 kWh. It's essential to recognize that this data covers smaller living spaces such as apartments, with lower energy requirements.
In December 2024, the mean electricity rate in Kalkaska County, MI amounts to 18.2¢ per kWh.
Currently, a 6 kW solar panel installation costs $17,976 after deducting the 30% federal income tax credit.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kalkaska County
Displayed below and to the left is the cost analysis for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Kalkaska County. When you select a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in greater electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.
The solar panel calculator, positioned below and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $112.64 electric bill for Kalkaska County. More tailored results can be achieved by adjusting the $112.64 to your usual bill amount.
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
$5,992
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 1.68 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 77 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,156 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $738 a year
Est. Price
$8,988
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.52 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 116 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,234 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$11,984
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.36 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 154 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,312 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$14,980
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 193 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,390 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,476 a year
Est. Price
$17,976
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.63 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 212 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,452 mi less a year
Kalkaska County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you own a plot or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas throughout the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.
A total of 17 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Michigan from multiple utilities and government bodies.
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 Kalkaska County, MI?
If you're aiming to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, opting for solar panels is a smart decision in Kalkaska County. A 5 kW system in Kalkaska County, MI will help you save you personally, on average, $12,053.6 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 11 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Kalkaska County, MI
Besides missing out on the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.
On average, customers in Kalkaska County have experienced 0.93 utility outages per year recently. Each outage, on average, lasts for 123.43 minutes. In the case of major events like winter storms, overloaded power grids, or vandalism, this period can rise substantially.
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Kalkaska County.
Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of any future power interruptions you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kalkaska County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kalkaska County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt declines as the size of the system grows. Installing a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it crucial to choose a highly rated company. The selection of better equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and it's easy to see why. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Most installers opt for panels crafted using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as uneven land, trees, or other obstacles can make the installation more challenging. These days, solar installers can utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies remunerate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are transferred to consumers. It is frequently observed that businesses with higher wages receive superior reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, quality local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Kalkaska County cities
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Who are the best solar installers in Kalkaska County?
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Kalkaska County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The average solar panel cost in Kalkaska County, MI as of December, 2024 is estimated at $4.28/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $14,980 in Kalkaska County, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.
At present, there are 17 rebates and incentives available to Michigan residents from various utility and government programs. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.
Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Kalkaska County, MI is achieved in 11 years, with electricity savings amounting to $12,053.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
