Solar Panels Cost $5.5k-$16k in Washtenaw County, MI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Washtenaw County, MI in 2024?
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Going solar costs approximately $3.96/W in November, 2024 in Washtenaw County, MI.
Or in other words, solar panels will cost you about $3,960 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacounty. Applying the 30% federal tax credit, the typical price for a 5 kW system in Washtenaw County is around $13,860. It's important to consider that a higher capacity system may be required to meet your energy needs.
By selecting your county on the left, you can determine the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. You can also see an analysis of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Washtenaw County: $13,860US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Washtenaw County: 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.
Washtenaw County: $8,938US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Washtenaw County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Washtenaw County.
Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 10.4kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Washtenaw County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Washtenaw County energy consumers, the typical monthly kWh usage is 614, with an average electric bill of 119.74. Apartments and compact residences, which usually have diminished energy requirements, are covered in this statistic.
In November 2024, Washtenaw County, MI's average electricity rate amounts to 19.51¢ per kWh.
At first, a 6 kW solar panel installation is priced at $23,760, but after a 30% tax credit, the final price is $16,632.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Washtenaw County
Available below and to the left is the pricing breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Washtenaw County. Of course, a larger solar system means a greater upfront cost, but it also results in increased electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
In the solar panel cost calculator situated below and to the right, you can examine a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $119.74 electric bill in Washtenaw County. Change the $119.74 with your average electricity bill to get more detailed results.
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 $541 a year
Est. Price
$5,544
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,704 kWh
Est. monthly savings $45
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.53 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 70 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,786 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $811 a year
Est. Price
$8,316
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,056 kWh
Est. monthly savings $68
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.29 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,680 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,082 a year
Est. Price
$11,088
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,408 kWh
Est. monthly savings $90
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,573 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,352 a year
Est. Price
$13,860
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,760 kWh
Est. monthly savings $113
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.82 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,466 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,622 a year
Est. Price
$16,632
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,112 kWh
Est. monthly savings $120
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.07 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 187 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 10,082 mi less a year
Washtenaw County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
With the REAP Grant, up to 100% and no less than 80% of the installation costs for solar or wind turbines may be covered for rural small business owners and farmers. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Almost all homeowners can qualify for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a sensible option in most parts of the country. Besides the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.
Multiple utilities and governmental bodies in Michigan offer 17 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Washtenaw County, MI?
If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, installing solar panels is a smart option in Washtenaw County. With a 5 kW solar system in Washtenaw County, MI, the average savings over a 20 period is $14,877.6, with break even generally occurring at 10 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Washtenaw County, MI
Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you lose out on the savings highlighted earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. Total dependence on your utility provider is not always ideal, as recent examples in the news have highlighted.
Residents in Washtenaw County have seen an average of 0.92 utility outages per year in recent times. The average length of an outage is 169.87 minutes. In events like grid management errors, landslides or planned maintenance, this duration can extend significantly.
See the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Washtenaw County.
A solar panel system could alleviate the burden of future outages, even if it doesn't have a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Washtenaw County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Washtenaw County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Setting up a solar system that produces sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is advantageous to most individuals, ensuring savings.
Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Given the certain brand preferences an installer might have, choosing a highly rated installer is crucial. For buyers seeking a better long-term experience, choosing superior quality models is critical.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. Even though they are costlier, they provide more energy. The majority of installers work with panels made from this material.
Your Property - Challenges like trees, sloping terrain, or additional obstacles can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Nowadays, solar installers frequently leverage satellite images to assess your home and incorporate these elements into the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies result in expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Reviews for work and customer service are often higher for businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be affected by regularly changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Good local installers will integrate these figures into your first estimates to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Washtenaw County cities
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Washtenaw County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During November, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Washtenaw County, MI is $3.96/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Washtenaw County, MI will cost about $13,860 after federal tax credits.
There are 17 rebates and incentives available in Michigan from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash offers the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Many installers work with financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, in Washtenaw County, MI, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 10 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $14,877.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
