Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Montcalm County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Montcalm County, MI in 2024?
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Getting solar panels costs about $3.77/W in November, 2024 in Montcalm County, MI.
Using this rate per watt, expect the price to be $3,770, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your system will need to produce. With a 30% federal tax credit, the average expense for a 5 kW system in Montcalm County is about $13,195. A larger system may be required to ensure your energy needs are met.
To the left, you have the option to select your county and find out the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for residential solar in homes in your area. Displayed below is a summary of the costs, 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.
Montcalm County: $13,195US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Montcalm 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.
Montcalm County: $10,317US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Montcalm County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Montcalm County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Montcalm County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electric bill for an electricity consumer in Montcalm County is 121.53 and the average number of kWh used each month per household is 664. Small houses, such as studios and apartments, are also factored in the numbers cited in the prior sentence.
Montcalm County, MI's electricity rate is 18.29¢ per kWh in November 2024.
The estimated cost for a 6 kW solar panel installation will be $22,620 before incentives, but after a 30% federal tax credit, the price is $15,834.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Montcalm County
On the left, you will find a cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes installed in Montcalm County. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is larger, but they also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right, for an average electric bill of $121.53 in Montcalm County. For results that are customized, change the $121.53 to reflect your average electricity bill.
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
$5,278
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 1.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 73 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,942 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $738 a year
Est. Price
$7,917
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $62
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.39 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 110 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,913 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$10,556
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.18 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 146 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,883 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$13,195
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.98 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,854 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,476 a year
Est. Price
$15,834
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 4.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 218 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,727 mi less a year
Montcalm County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Eligible rural small businesses and agricultural operations might have their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Believe you fit the criteria? Confirm your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Homeowners can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for setting up residential solar panels, which makes solar power a feasible option in much of the country. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.
Michigan features 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives provided by multiple utilities and government organizations.
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 Montcalm County, MI?
If you plan living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is an smart decision in Montcalm County. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Montcalm County, MI, you might save $15,972.2 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at approximately 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Montcalm County, MI
The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings mentioned earlier and are wholly reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by numerous recent news reports, complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal.
On average, customers in Montcalm County have faced 1.05 utility outages per year over the past few years. The typical duration of each outage is 167.06 minutes. When significant events such as lightning strikes, overloaded power grids, or planned maintenance occur, these time frames can become much longer.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Montcalm County.
A solar energy system could reduce the effects of future outages, whether or not it has a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Montcalm County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Montcalm County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is decreased as the system size grows. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is useful to individuals because of the reduced long-term costs.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a reputable company. Opting for better quality equipment can provide a much better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. They are costlier but provide more energy. Many professionals in solar installation work with panels made from this material.
Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as sloping terrain, trees, or other considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Solar installers now have the ability to leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay employees receive from their employers differ, and these expenses are borne by the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in companies receiving better reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees differ locally and will influence your installation cost. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your initial quotes to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Montcalm County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
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Montcalm County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the typical price per watt for solar panels in Montcalm County, MI is $3.77/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Montcalm County, MI, after deducting federal tax credits, is $13,195.
Utilities and government agencies in Michigan are currently offering 17 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash offers the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Installers frequently provide financing options and will specify them in your initial quotes.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Montcalm County, MI is 9 years, with expected savings of $15,972.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
