Solar Panels Cost $5.1k-$15k in Livingston County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Livingston County, MI in 2024?
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On average, in Livingston County, MI in the month of November, 2024, the price per watt of solar panel installations is $3.67/W.
According to the cost, you should expect costs to be $3,670, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panel system will need to produce. In Livingston County, you will pay approximately $12,845 for a 5 kW solar panel system once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. A more powerful system might be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements effectively.
On the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. The following outline, below, highlights the price, 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.
Livingston County: $12,845US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Livingston 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.
Livingston County: $10,964US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Livingston County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Livingston County.
Roof size 626sq. ft.
Capacity 8.75kW DC
Electricity 9.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Livingston County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Livingston County, energy consumers usually see an average electric bill of 122.14 each month, with a typical consumption of 615 kWh. It is important to note that this figure also includes data from smaller residential units, including apartments.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Livingston County, MI is 19.87¢ per kWh.
The initial cost for a 6 kW solar installation will be $22,020, but with a 30% tax credit, your expense drops to $15,414.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Livingston County
Located below and to the left, you will see the cost summary for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Livingston County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is greater, but they also provide higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
See a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $122.14 in Livingston County. By changing the $122.14 to your typical electricity bill, you can get tailored results.
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
$5,138
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 1.58 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 72 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,899 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $820 a year
Est. Price
$7,707
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 2.36 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 109 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,848 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,094 a year
Est. Price
$10,276
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 3.15 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 145 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,798 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,367 a year
Est. Price
$12,845
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 3.94 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 181 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,747 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,640 a year
Est. Price
$15,414
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 4.22 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 194 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,439 mi less a year
Livingston County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Unsure if you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm.
Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for setting up residential solar panels, which makes solar power a sensible option in much of the country. A multitude of state and local programs are offered to encourage the use of solar energy.
There are 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently offered in Michigan by 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 Livingston County, MI?
If your goal is to own your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an excellent choice in Livingston County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Livingston County, MI can potentially save you around $16,468.6 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Livingston County, MI
In addition to missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a different backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. As demonstrated by recent news, full reliance on your utility is not always the best option.
On a yearly basis, the average number of outages per customer in Livingston County has been 0.92. On average, an outage lasts 169.87 minutes. When major events such as thunderstorms, equipment failure, or planned maintenance occur, these durations can increase significantly
View the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Livingston County.
A solar panel system could alleviate the burden of future outages, even if it is without a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Livingston County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Livingston County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is highly beneficial. This approach ensures increased savings.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. Since the contractor might have particular system preferences, it's essential to select a reputable company. For consumers desiring a more favorable long-term experience, investing in higher quality equipment is important.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers opt for this type of material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, sloping terrain, or additional hindrances can make the installation more challenging. Most solar installers today utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and integrate these considerations into the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that various companies offer their employees are different, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. It is common for companies that offer higher wages to garner better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Livingston County cities
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Livingston County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in Livingston County, MI during November of 2024 averages $3.67/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Livingston County, MI is roughly $12,845.
If you live in Michigan, you can find 17 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash will ensure the most savings, but currently there are several options for financing solar panels that are cost-effective as well. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will detail this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical duration for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay back their cost in Livingston County, MI is 9 years, with electricity savings estimated at $16,468.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
