Michigan

Michigan goes solar with SunPower®

Michigan gains the upper hand by going solar

The state of solar in Michigan

With 170 sunny days per year, Michigan receives about 17% less sunshine than the U.S. average.* However, Michigan’s energy policies rank 13th in the nation, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).* Solar viability of Michigan buildings is 78%, which means that over three-quarters of the state’s residential, commercial, and governmental structures can accommodate solar panels and optimize a solar system for clean energy production.*

How much solar energy does Michigan produce?

According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the number of megawatts for Michigan’s solar installations ranks 26th in the U.S.* These installations provide 0.37% of the state's electricity and can power 83,045 homes. Overall, Michigan has 11,844 solar installations, the most prominent being the Watervliet Solar Power and 1 MW, Domino Farms Solar. Additional information about other solar installations is on SEIA’s website.*

What are the advantages of going solar in Michigan?

Residents of Michigan pay more for electrical power than most Americans, ranking 10th in the nation for the average retail price of electricity to the residential sector. As of April 2021, statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show that residents of Michigan pay an average price of nearly 18 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is 5 cents higher per kilowatt-hour than what half of the American states pay, on average.

Home solar panels reduce your bill by however much solar energy your system produces, even in states that don’t receive plenty of sunshine, and especially in states like Michigan, where the cost of electricity is relatively high.

Solar equipment can last 30 years, saving system owners around $20K in energy costs over 25 years. A few other benefits of converting sunlight to electricity are better air quality, CO2 reduction, and good jobs in an industry poised for growth.

How much does solar cost in Michigan?

Even in the same state, home solar system costs can vary due to a range of factors, including:

  • Quality of the solar system

  • Roof angle

  • Homeowner’s energy needs

  • Roof space

  • Quality of the system’s warranty

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Michigan, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $12,650 to $16,650, or in other words, from $2.53 to $3.33 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

What to consider when going solar in Michigan

In Michigan, homeowners may claim the federal residential solar energy tax credit for new solar photovoltaic systems and solar batteries.*

Michigan is one of the top ten states for having the highest electricity costs, making it one of the best states for solar, despite the below-average amount of sunshine. Plus, on days when the weather causes a power outage, solar battery storage can energy when homeowners need it most.

Across the U.S., solar panel prices have dropped 43% since 2016 and 80% over the last ten years, making a case for solar in Michigan even more compelling. In addition, Michigan offers several grants, loans, public benefits, rebates, and tax incentives for clean energy, including:*

What's the best way to go solar in Michigan?

Sunshine is a clean energy resource that’s ideal for states with high electricity costs. Even so, due diligence is a must to choose a provider that offers a product and service with the right combination of quality, appearance, and durability. Research in this area is essential.

Consulting with a professional can confirm your findings and answer questions about a design that meets your budget, property, and energy needs. A premium solar system from an established provider will ensure the best return on investment.

A reputable solar provider can recommend an aesthetically pleasing installation guaranteed to raise your property’s value, and help you leverage every rebate and incentive available to maximize savings on installation costs.

Get started now by requesting a consultation with SunPower below. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with SunPower.

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