Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Ottawa County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Ottawa County, MI in 2024?
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You'll pay $3.75/W in Ottawa County, MI in the month of December, 2024 to get solar installed.
Said another way, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,750 to get your system installed in . When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend around $13,125 for a 5 kW solar installation in Ottawa County. However, it’s important to note that a more powerful system may be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements.
Use the menu on the left to pick your county and determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar on residences in your area. Below, you can see an overview 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.
Ottawa County: $13,125US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ottawa 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.
Ottawa County: $9,112US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Ottawa County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Ottawa County.
Roof size 930sq. ft.
Capacity 13kW DC
Electricity 13.8kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Ottawa County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The standard kWh usage for a Ottawa County resident is 626 monthly, with an average electric bill of 116.09. Please note that the energy consumption for apartments and other smaller living spaces is encompassed in this figure.
The average electricity rate in Ottawa County, MI in December 2024 is 18.55¢ per kWh.
At this time, a 6 kW solar panel installation will cost you roughly $22,500at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, bringing the cost down to $15,750.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Ottawa County
On the left side below, the pricing details for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Ottawa County can be seen. While a bigger solar installation comes with a larger expense, it also provides higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $116.09 in Ottawa County. If you seek more personalized results, just adjust the $116.09 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.
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 $519 a year
Est. Price
$5,250
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
Est. monthly savings $43
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.67 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 123 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,616 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $779 a year
Est. Price
$7,875
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $65
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 184 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,924 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,039 a year
Est. Price
$10,500
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 246 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 13,233 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,299 a year
Est. Price
$13,125
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.68 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 307 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 16,541 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,558 a year
Est. Price
$15,750
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $116
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.16 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 329 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 17,730 mi less a year
Ottawa County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Eligible rural small businesses and farms might have their solar or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Not sure if you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.
For those considering residential solar options, a 30% federal income tax credit is broadly available, boosting the appeal and practicality of solar energy in numerous areas in the nation. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.
Several utilities and government organizations 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 Ottawa County, MI?
If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, choosing solar panels is a smart option in Ottawa County. A 5 kW system in Ottawa County, MI will help you save you, on average, $14,736.6 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Ottawa County, MI
In addition to missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news, total dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.
On a yearly basis, the average number of outages per customer in Ottawa County has been 0.79. On average, each outage lasts for 103.33 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, winter storms or wildlife damage can considerably extend these durations.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Ottawa County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery or not, could help lessen the impact of future power outages you might encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ottawa County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Ottawa County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is larger, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Most consumers see the benefit in setting up a solar setup that can generate enough power to cover their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.
Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. Selecting an installer with certain brand preferences means it is even more important essential to go with a highly rated contractor. Selecting better quality equipment usually yields a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels have a higher cost but generate more energy. Most installers in the industry use panels constructed of this material.
Your Property - No two homes or properties are the same. Elements like trees, uneven landscapes, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers today have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies provide varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. Often, businesses paying more in wages additionally enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be affected by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Quality local installers will include these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Ottawa County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Ottawa County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The average solar panel cost in Ottawa County, MI as of December, 2024 is estimated at $3.75/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Ottawa County, MI drops to roughly $13,125.
Currently, Michigan residents can benefit from 17 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Paying cash offers the most savings, yet there are many financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Initial quotes from installers will frequently contain information about available financing options.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Ottawa County, MI is 9 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $14,736.6.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
