
Ann Arbor, Michigan goes solar with SunPower®
Go green in Tree Town by switching to clean energy
The state of solar in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor experiences 178 sunny days per year.*BestPlaces: Climate in Ann Arbor, MI: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/michigan/ann_arbor: (July 2021) The number is lower than the U.S. average but more than enough to provide solar energy to homes and businesses all over the city. In 2020 alone, Ann Arbor issued 118 solar permits to its residents. The city’s goal by 2030 is to be carbon neutral and produce 78 MW of clean energy locally.*Mlive: https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/solar-panel-permits-triple-... (March 2021)
How much solar energy does Ann Arbor produce?
Compared to other cities in Michigan, Ann Arbor receives more direct sunlight. The city has 20,600 viable roofs for solar panels,*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer: https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJMx9D1A2wPIgR4rXIh... (November 2018). and the average roof can hold up to a 5 to 10 kW system. Ann Arbor’s solar production capacity stands at an estimated 460 MW.*Compare Electricity: https://compareelectricity.com/solar/MI/Ann%20Arbor: (July, 2021)
Domino Farms Solar in Ann Arbor is currently one of the largest solar installations in Michigan. It can generate 1 MW, which is enough to power more than 150 homes.*SEIA: Solar Means Business: https://www.seia.org/solar-means-business-report: (July 2021)
What are the advantages of going solar in Ann Arbor?
Investing in solar panels may seem expensive, but the investment pays for itself within a few years. For instance, if you install solar panels on your home today, you will recover your investment in about ten years. You will also accumulate approximately $28,830 in savings over the next 20 years for those utility bills you never had to pay to power companies.*EnergySage: https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/mi/washtenaw-coun... (July 2021)
Another benefit of installing a solar system is that it adds to your home’s value. Depending on the size of the system you install, solar energy panels can increase your property’s value by up to $17,000.
Lastly, switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to personally contribute to improving our environment
How much does solar cost in Ann Arbor?

Labor and permit costs
Weather
Quality of the solar system
Roof size and angle
Home energy needs
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 average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,200 to $15,850, or in other words from $2.84 to $3.17 per watt—and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Over the past five years, solar installation prices in Ann Arbor have dropped by 43%, making this year a great time to go solar. If you need a bigger incentive, note that taking advantage of available tax credits can reduce your solar installation costs by another 50 to 60%.
Solar incentives in Ann Arbor include:
Federal Solar Tax Credit: Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a tax credit of up to 26% of the total cost of the solar installation.*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Michigan Solar Power Performance Payments: You can receive extra cash from the state for the number of kWh your solar array produces.
Michigan Net Metering: Your unused solar power can be sent back to the public-utility power grid for a credit.*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program: This program allows Ann Arbor residents to get loans with low APR for solar installations.
What’s the best way to go solar in Ann Arbor?
Before installing solar panels, it’s best to know your applicable local laws and what they stipulate or talk to a solar expert who does. A licensed, reputable solar energy company will also perform a property assessment to identify:
The right type of solar system for your property
Where to install the panels
How many panels to install
This ensures you get a custom solar system that stands the test of time, satisfies your energy needs, and fits your budget. A reputable solar energy company should also help you access every available solar incentive and rebate to help you reduce installation costs.
Getting started is easy. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.
Start saving with solar! Schedule your online appointment with SunPower.