Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in St. Clair County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in St. Clair County, MI in 2024?
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Having solar panels installed in St. Clair County, MI averages out to $3.76/W in the month of November, 2024.
Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $3,760 for installation. We are able to come to this conclusion in accordance with this rate price cost per watt above. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar installation in St. Clair County sets you back $13,160. It should be noted that a higher capacity system may be necessary to meet your energy demands.
To the left, you can select your county to find the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. See below a full breakdown of the {price|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.
St. Clair County: $13,160US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
St. Clair 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.
St. Clair County: $10,713US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in St. Clair County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in St. Clair County.
Roof size 554sq. ft.
Capacity 7.75kW DC
Electricity 8.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in St. Clair County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
St. Clair County residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of 122.97 per month, with a average usage of 610 kWh. Smaller homes, such as micro-apartments, are also included in the data mentioned in the earlier sentence.
In November 2024, the electricity rate in St. Clair County, MI averages 20.17¢ per kWh.
The anticipated cost for a 6 kW solar system will be $22,560 initially, but with a 30% federal tax credit, it drops to $15,792.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in St. Clair County
Displayed on the left, you will find a cost summary for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in St. Clair County. With larger solar systems, the price increases, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can get.
The solar panel cost calculator, positioned below and to the right, provides a cost-benefit analysis using an average $122.97 electric bill for St. Clair County. To achieve custom results, adjust the $122.97 to match your usual electricity payment.
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 $547 a year
Est. Price
$5,264
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 2.33 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 107 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,758 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $820 a year
Est. Price
$7,896
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,101 kWh
Est. monthly savings $68
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.49 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 160 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,636 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,094 a year
Est. Price
$10,528
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 4.65 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 214 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,515 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,367 a year
Est. Price
$13,160
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 5.82 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 267 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 14,394 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,640 a year
Est. Price
$15,792
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $123
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.28 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 288 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 15,542 mi less a year
St. Clair County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Eligible rural small businesses and farms might have their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check your qualification.
For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to almost all homeowners, which makes solar a sensible option in many states. Alongside federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.
Residents of Michigan can access 17 solar rebate and incentive programs from a range of utilities and governmental agencies.
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 St. Clair County, MI?
If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in St. Clair County. Installing a 5 kW solar system in St. Clair County, MI will, on average, save you $16,352.8 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in St. Clair County, MI
Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings discussed earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. Numerous recent news reports have illustrated that total reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.
Yearly, the average number of outages per customer in St. Clair County is about 0.85. On average, each outage lasts for 156.84 minutes. Major events like high winds, grid management errors, or construction accidents can considerably extend these durations.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in St. Clair County.
Having a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could lessen the pressure of any future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in St. Clair County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in St. Clair County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is greater, the cost per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is advantageous to individuals because of the reduced long-term costs.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. The installer you select may have specific brand preferences, so it's crucial to choose a highly rated company. Better equipment generally result in an better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and for good reason. These panels have a higher cost but yield more energy. Most installers in the industry utilize panels made of this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like sloped land, trees, or additional hurdles can make the installation more challenging. Most solar installers currently use satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees receive varied wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Companies typically receive higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be influenced by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change depending on the area. Quality local installers will integrate these figures into your first estimates to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other St. Clair County cities
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St. Clair County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in St. Clair County, MI during November of 2024 averages $3.76/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in St. Clair County, MI after federal tax credits is around $13,160.
Homeowners in Michigan can take advantage of 17 different rebates and incentives from a variety of utility companies and government agencies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now several financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, solar panels systems of 5 kW in St. Clair County, MI typically have a payback period of 9years, with expected savings on electricity costs of $16,352.8 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
