Solar Panels Cost 5.8k-17k in Sault Ste. Marie, MI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.8k-$17k in Sault Ste. Marie, MI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Sault Ste. Marie, MI in 2024?

The average cost per watt for a solar panel installation in Sault Ste. Marie, MI in October, 2024 is $4.2/W.

It will cost $4,200, on average, for every 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacity that your solar panels have. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system in Sault Ste. Marie will set you back $14,700. It's vital to consider that a more extensive system could be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. The following outline, below, highlights 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.
Sault Ste. Marie: $14,700US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Sault Ste. Marie: 13 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Sault Ste. Marie: $1,404US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Sault Ste. Marie

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Sault Ste. Marie.

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Sault Ste. Marie, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The standard monthly kWh usage for a Sault Ste. Marie resident is 646, with an average monthly bill of $93.35. Flats and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption are included in this figure.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is 14.44¢ per kWh.

In Sault Ste. Marie, typical consumers has to have a system size of 6 kW or greater to fully account for their entire energy consumption demands. The expense for a a 6 kW solar panel installation is approximately $25,200 before any incentives, but the federal tax credit gives you back 30%, bringing the price down to $17,640.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Sault Ste. Marie

To the left, you'll see a detailed price breakdown of the different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Sault Ste. Marie. Even though a more extensive solar installation comes with a greater cost, it also provides greater electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator found below and to the right, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $93.35electric bill in Sault Ste. Marie. For custom results, update the $93.35 to what your average electricity bill is.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $383 a year
Est. Price
$5,880
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,734 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $32
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,509 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $574 a year
Est. Price
$8,820
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $48
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.13 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 98 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,264 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $765 a year
Est. Price
$11,760
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $64
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.84 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 130 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,019 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $957 a year
Est. Price
$14,700
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $80
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.54 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 163 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,773 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,148 a year
Est. Price
$17,640
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $93
  • Full payback in 16 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

Sault Ste. Marie Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you own a farm or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

With the accessibility of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a feasible solution for most homeowners, especially in various parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local initiatives to encourage solar energy adoption.

Michigan residents have access to 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from different utilities and governmental agencies.

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 homeowners in Sault Ste. Marie looking to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the best choice. In Sault Ste. Marie, MI, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $7,704 on average over 20 years, with a usual break even point of 13 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the earlier mentioned savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that full reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Sault Ste. Marie is 2.65. On average, the length of an outage is 357.9 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, grid management errors, or wildlife damage can cause these durations to rise considerably.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could ease the strain of possible future power disruptions you may face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Chippewa County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?

Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is greater, the price per watt reduces as the system gets larger. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - Like many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels on the market. Your installer’s system preferences might necessitate choosing a recommended contractor. The selection of high-quality makes and models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Most installation experts use panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other impediments may add to the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and incorporate these factors in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees receive varying wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Higher wages typically lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees vary by area and will affect your final install price. Quality local installers will build these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other MI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Sault Ste. Marie?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

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

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

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

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

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

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

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

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

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

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

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

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

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

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

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

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

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

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

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

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

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

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.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $4.2/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Sault Ste. Marie, MI will cost approximately $14,700 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • Residents of Michigan can currently take advantage of 14 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Even though paying cash yields the best savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will include this information into your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Sault Ste. Marie, MI stands at 13 years, yielding average electricity savings of $7,704 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01