Solar Panels Cost 5.5k-16k in Royal Oak, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.5k-$16k in Royal Oak, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Royal Oak, MI in 2024?

For solar panels in Royal Oak, MI, the cost per watt in October, 2024 is around $3.97/W.

Put another way, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,970 to get your system installed in . A 5 kW solar panel system in Royal Oak averages about $13,895 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be enough to fulfill your energy needs.

To the left, you can select your county to determine the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Displayed below is 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.
Royal Oak: $13,895US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Royal Oak: 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.
Royal Oak: $9,063US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Royal Oak

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

Roof size 697sq. ft.
Capacity 9.75kW DC
Electricity 10.7kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical electricity usage in Royal Oak is 599 kWh per month, resulting in a $120.47 monthly electric bill average. Compact apartments are also encompassed in the figures cited in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of dwellings impacts those averages.

For October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Royal Oak, MI amounts to 20.1¢ per kWh.

In Royal Oak, a system size of 6 kW or more is required for the average energy consumer to satisfy their entire power consumption needs. The cost for aa 6 kW solar setup comes to $23,820 upfront, but after the 30% tax credit, the total cost drops to $16,674.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Royal Oak

On the left side below, the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Royal Oak is displayed. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $120.47 in Royal Oak. If you seek more customized results, just adjust the $120.47 to whichever your typical electricity bill is.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $547 a year
Est. Price
$5,558
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
$8,337
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
$11,116
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 8 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
$13,895
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 10 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
$16,674
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $120
  • 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 10,232 mi less a year

Royal Oak Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Nearly all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible option in numerous states throughout the country. Additionally, a variety of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.

There are 14 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Michigan by multiple utilities and government bodies.

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?

If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Royal Oak. A 5 kW solar system in Royal Oak, MI could potentially save you $15,017.8 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Royal Oak, MI

In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. As recent examples in the news have shown, full reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.

Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Royal Oak is about 0.98. The average length of an outage is 146.15 minutes. In events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or equipment failure, this duration can extend significantly.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can help mitigate the strain of future outages you may face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Oakland County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Royal Oak, MI?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt decreases as the system size increases. A lot of people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This results in maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The preferences for system that your contractor has may make it essential to choose a reputable installer. The use of superior models is probably will result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - There are valid reasons why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. Most installers work with panels crafted of this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. By using satellite imagery, solar installers can currently assess your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies result in costs that are passed on to the consumers. Higher reviews for services and customer service are often associated with businesses that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will vary depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Royal Oak?

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.

Royal Oak, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Royal Oak, MI is $3.97/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Royal Oak, MI will roughly cost $13,895.

  • Currently, Michigan residents can benefit from 14 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing details are often provided by installers and may be detailed in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Royal Oak, MI averages 10 years, with electricity savings of about $15,017.8 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01