Solar Panels Cost $5.3k-$15k in Lapeer County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Lapeer County, MI in 2024?
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To have solar panels in Lapeer County, MI in the month of December, 2024 costs around $3.8/W.
It will cost $3,800, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacounty that your solar panels have. A 5 kW solar system in Lapeer County will typically cost you $13,300 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. Remember that a higher capacity system may be needed to satisfy your energy demands.
To the left, you can choose your county to find the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. You can also see an analysis of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Lapeer County: $13,300US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Lapeer County: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Lapeer County: $10,268US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Lapeer County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Lapeer County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Lapeer County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Lapeer County energy consumers consume an average of621 kWh each month, resulting in an average electric bill of 121.95. Flats and other smaller living spaces with less energy demand are reflected in this statistic.
The average rate for electricity in Lapeer County, MI in December, 2024 is 19.64¢ per kWh.
Installing a a 6 kW solar panel installation will be priced at about $22,800 before applying incentives, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get a 30% credit, lowering the price to $15,960.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Lapeer County
Below on the left side, you'll find the pricing details for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Lapeer County. While a larger solar installation does come with a greater cost, it also brings increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right, for an average electric bill of $121.95 in Lapeer County. Alter the $121.95 to fit your typical bill payment for customized outcomes.
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 $547 a year
Est. Price
$5,320
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $46
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.48 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 68 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,651 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $820 a year
Est. Price
$7,980
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $68
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.21 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 102 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,477 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,094 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $91
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.95 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 135 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,302 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,367 a year
Est. Price
$13,300
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $114
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.69 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 169 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,128 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,640 a year
Est. Price
$15,960
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.95 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 181 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,776 mi less a year
Lapeer County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For residential solar installations, almost all homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Moreover, many regional and state programs are set up to encourage more people to switch to solar power.
Different utilities and governmental bodies in Michigan offer 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
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 Lapeer County, MI?
For those in Lapeer County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Lapeer County, MI could save you around $15,968, with the average break even time being 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Lapeer County, MI
The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be entirely reliant on your electric utility for power. Full reliance on your utility is not always ideal as the news has recently shown.
On average, there are 0.9 outages per customer each year in Lapeer County. Usually, outages have an average duration of 127.22 minutes. However, during critical events like construction accidents, equipment failure or landslides, these times can extend dramatically.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Lapeer County.
A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could ease the stress of future outages you face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Lapeer County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Lapeer County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt decreases, despite the greater upfront expense. Setting up a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is beneficial to individuals because of the savings gained.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Given the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a highly rated contractor. The use of better makes and models can greatly enhance the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. The majority of solar panel installers prefer this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Sloped land, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. Solar installers nowadays typically utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees differ, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages frequently garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Good local installers will build these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Lapeer County cities
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Lapeer County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During December, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Lapeer County, MI is $3.8/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Lapeer County, MI will roughly cost $13,300.
Michigan offers 17 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Lapeer County, MI is 9 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $15,968.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
