Solar Panels Cost $10k-$21k in Van Buren County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Van Buren County, MI in 2024?
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To go solar in Van Buren County, MI in November, 2024 is around $3.83/W.
As a result of this price, we can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your system can produce you will have to invest $3,830 to get your solar system installed. In Van Buren County, after the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW system will cost you $13,405. A 5kW system may not be large enough to fulfill your energy needs.
Select your county from the menu on the left to view the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see a breakdown of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Van Buren County: $13,405US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Van Buren County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Van Buren County: $16,370US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Van Buren County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Van Buren County.
Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 9.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Van Buren County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Van Buren County pay an average of 148.00 per month for electricity, consuming 809 kWh on average. Petite homes, such as bungalows and apartments, are also part of the numbers cited in the former sentence.
The electricity rate per kWh in Van Buren County, MI for November 2024 is on average 18.29¢.
Currently, an 8 kW solar system costs $21,448 after deducting the 30% federal income tax credit.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Van Buren County
To the left side and below, you will see the cost summary for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Van Buren County. With bigger solar systems, the price increases, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.
The solar panel cost calculator down and to the right analyzes costs and benefits, based on an average $148.00 electric bill in Van Buren County If you want customized results, change the $148.00 to your typical electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $984 a year
Est. Price
$10,724
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,468 kWh
Est. monthly savings $82
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.09 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 96 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,165 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,230 a year
Est. Price
$13,405
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,835 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.61 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 120 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,456 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,476 a year
Est. Price
$16,086
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,202 kWh
Est. monthly savings $123
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.13 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 144 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,748 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,722 a year
Est. Price
$18,767
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,569 kWh
Est. monthly savings $144
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.65 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 168 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,039 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,968 a year
Est. Price
$21,448
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,936 kWh
Est. monthly savings $148
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.77 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 173 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,320 mi less a year
Van Buren County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to almost all homeowners, making solar power a good investment in numerous parts of the country. There are also a number of state and local efforts aimed at enhancing solar energy use.
In Michigan, 17 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government 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 Van Buren County, MI?
If you're planning to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Van Buren County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Van Buren County, MI can potentially save you approximately $22,115 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Van Buren County, MI
In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Lately, customers in Van Buren County have experienced an average of 1.1 utility outages each year. The average length of an outage is 192.35 minutes. However, during significant events such as tornadoes, construction accidents, or grid management errors, this duration can grow considerably.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Van Buren County.
A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Van Buren County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Van Buren County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. Consumers often discover that setting up a solar system that can replace their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in significant savings.
Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it important to select a highly rated contractor. Superior equipment generally provide an better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. They are pricier but produce more energy. Many professionals in solar installation utilize panels constructed from this material.
Your Property - Elements such as rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Van Buren County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
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Van Buren County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in November, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Van Buren County, MI is $3.83/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Van Buren County, MI after federal tax credits is around $13,405.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Michigan are offering 17 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet numerous financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.
Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Van Buren County, MI pay for themselves in 8 years, with homeowners saving approximately $22,115 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
