Solar Panels Cost $5.3k-$15k in Leelanau County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Leelanau County, MI in 2024?
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During November, 2024, the typical cost of solar panels in Leelanau County, MI was $3.8/W.
In accordance with the cost, solar panel installations will cost you about $3,800 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of generation capacounty. In Leelanau County, the cost of a 5 kW solar installation is typically $13,300, after the 30% federal tax credit. It's vital to realize that a higher capacity system might be necessary to meet your energy requirements.
To the left,choose your area to find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity of solar panel systems for homes in your county. Below is a full analysis 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.
Leelanau County: $13,300US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Leelanau 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.
Leelanau County: $7,902US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Leelanau County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Leelanau County.
Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 12.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Leelanau County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Leelanau County residents generally use 645 kWh per month, with an average electric bill of 112.09. Apartments and compact residences, which usually have diminished energy consumption, are included in this data.
In November 2024, the electricity rate in Leelanau County, MI averages 17.39¢ per kWh.
You'll spend $15,960 on a 6 kW solar installation after taking the 30% federal income tax credit into consideration.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Leelanau County
Presented on the left, you will find a pricing structure for various solar panel system sizes set up in Leelanau County. A more extensive solar array will naturally cost more, but it will also offer more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The solar panel calculator, located to the right and below, provides a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $112.09 electric bill for Leelanau County. To get tailored results, easily adjust the $112.09to reflect your typical electricity 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 $465 a year
Est. Price
$5,320
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $39
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.43 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 66 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,532 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $697 a year
Est. Price
$7,980
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $58
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.14 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 98 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,298 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $930 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $77
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.85 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 131 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,064 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,162 a year
Est. Price
$13,300
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $97
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.57 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 164 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,830 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,394 a year
Est. Price
$15,960
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $112
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.13 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 190 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,214 mi less a year
Leelanau County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Small businesses and farms in rural areas may see between 80% and 100% of their solar or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant. Wondering if you fall into this category? Check your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Almost all homeowners can benefit from the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a sensible option across most parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local efforts to encourage solar energy adoption.
Several utilities and government agencies in Michigan currently offer 17 solar rebates and incentives.
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 Leelanau County, MI?
Homeowners in Leelanau County who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an excellent choice. Having a 5 kW solar system in Leelanau County, MI can potentially save you roughly $13,601.6 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Leelanau County, MI
Besides missing out on the aforementioned savings, not having solar panels or a different backup energy source makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The news has provided several examples demonstrating that full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
Yearly, the utilities in Leelanau County have reported about 0.79 outages per customer. Outages generally last for an average of 133.41 minutes. During major occurrences like thunderstorms, overloaded power grids, or wildlife damage, these times can extend significantly.
View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Leelanau County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery or not, could reduce the impact of future power outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Leelanau County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Leelanau County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems have a larger initial cost, the cost per watt drops. For most individuals, setting up a system that can produce enough power to reduce their entire electric bill is useful, providing significant savings.
Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are a variety of makes and models of solar panels on the market. The potential brand preferences of your installer mean that it is it's even more necessary to pick a highly rated company. Choosing superior quality materials generally yields a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry. Even though they are costlier, they generate additional energy. The majority of installers use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like irregular terrain, trees, or other challenges can make the installation more challenging. Nowadays, solar installers commonly leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies offer varying pay rates to their employees, which are then passed on to the prices consumers pay. Businesses that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will affect your installation cost. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your preliminary estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Leelanau County cities
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Leelanau County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Leelanau County, MI is $3.8/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Leelanau County, MI will cost approximately $13,300 after applying the federal tax credit.
Residents of Michigan can currently take advantage of 17 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also financially advantageous. Many installers will detail information about financing options in their initial quotes.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Leelanau County, MI is 10 years, with expected savings of $13,601.6 on electricity over 20 years.