Solar Panels Cost 5.3k-16k in Melvindale, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.3k-$16k in Melvindale, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Melvindale, MI in 2024?

On average, in Melvindale, MI in the month of October, 2024, the cost per watt of solar systems is $3.83/W.

Using this price, you should expect to pony up $3,830, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panels will need to generate. With a 30% federal tax credit, the average cost for a 5 kW system in Melvindale is approximately $13,405. It's vital to consider that a higher capacity system may be essential to fully meet your energy requirements.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. Below is a breakdown 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.
Melvindale: $13,405US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Melvindale: 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.
Melvindale: $9,763US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Melvindale

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Melvindale.

Roof size 447sq. ft.
Capacity 6.25kW DC
Electricity 7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Melvindale, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

With an average consumption of 599 kWh per month, Melvindale households pay about $120.47 for electricity each month. This data also encompasses the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.

The electricity rate per kWh in Melvindale, MI for October 2024 is on average 20.1¢.

To satisfy the electricity requirements of an average consumer in Melvindale, a solar panel system of 6 kW or higher is a must. Upfront, a 6 kW solar system is approximately $22,980, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, which cuts down the total to $16,086.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Melvindale

To the left side and below, you can find the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Melvindale. Naturally, with a more extensive solar system, there will be a greater initial expense, but the advantages include higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $120.47 in Melvindale. Adjust the $120.47 to your usual bill payment for personalized results.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $547 a year
Est. Price
$5,362
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 1.57 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 72 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,885 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $820 a year
Est. Price
$8,043
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.35 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 108 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,828 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,094 a year
Est. Price
$10,724
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 3.14 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 144 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,771 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,367 a year
Est. Price
$13,405
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 3.92 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 180 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,713 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,640 a year
Est. Price
$16,086
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $120
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.13 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 190 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,232 mi less a year

Melvindale Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Installing residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, accessible to almost all homeowners, making it a wise option for numerous areas across the country. Additionally, various state and local programs exist to further support the adoption of solar power.

Several utilities and government organizations in Michigan currently offer 14 solar rebates and incentives.

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.

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.

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.

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 Michigan?

For those planning to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Melvindale. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Melvindale, MI, you might save $15,507.8 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at around 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Melvindale, MI

If you don't install solar panels or an alternative backup power source, you forgo the aforementioned savings and your household is entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Numerous recent news reports have illustrated that total reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In Melvindale, there are about 0.98 outages per customer annually. Each outage lasts an average of 146.15 minutes. In the case of major events such as heavy rain and flooding, vandalism, or equipment failure, this period can increase substantially.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the stress of future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Wayne County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Melvindale, MI?

Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt declines, despite the larger upfront expense. Installing a solar panel system that can fully offset the electric bill is beneficial to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels. The installer’s preference for system makes it crucial to pick a reputable company. Buyers generally find that utilizing higher quality equipment provides a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. Even though they are costlier, they provide more energy. Most installers work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, irregular terrain, or other considerations can increase the difficulty of the installation. These days, the majority of solar installers can use satellite imagery to assess your home and include these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees get varying wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in companies receiving better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be affected by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Melvindale?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Cinci Home Solar

Cincinnati, OH(513) 616-6044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Melvindale, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Melvindale, MI is $3.83/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $13,405 in Melvindale, MI after the federal tax credit is applied.

  • At present, there are 14 rebates and incentives available to Michigan residents from various utility and government programs. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are multiple financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Melvindale, MI averages 9 years, with electricity savings of about $15,507.8 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01