Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan goes solar with SunPower®

We’re rolling solar energy into Motor City

The state of solar in Detroit

Solar energy production rates in Detroit have skyrocketed in recent years. Thanks to the Detroit-based energy utility company DTE Energy, the city houses one of the largest urban solar parks in the Midwest, featuring 2,400 solar panels that generate enough energy to power 450 homes.*

The city's increased solar production led the Environment America Research and Policy Center to name Detroit as one of the top solar builders in the United States in 2019.

How much solar energy does Detroit produce?

As of December 2019, Detroit has 4.11 MW of installed solar capacity or roughly 6.12 W of solar PV per person, and this number continues to grow steadily. Much of the city's solar energy comes from DTE Energy Initiatives, which generate enough clean energy to power over 14,000 homes.

What are the advantages of going solar in Detroit?

Switching to solar energy is an effective way to save money on your electricity bills. The average Detroit resident pays 17.5 cents per kWh for gas- or coal-powered electricity, and this rate has risen steadily each year.

However, levelized solar energy costs are as low as 6.9 cents per kWh,* a difference of 10.6 cents. Detroit residents can expect to save around $22,660 in electricity costs over twenty years by going solar, with a 5 kW solar system paying for itself within approximately 11 years.*

You can also take advantage of the Distributed Generation program.* This program replaced Michigan's net metering policy in 2016 and is based on an inflow-outflow formula where any excess energy your solar system generates is credited to your account at the current power supply rate, excluding transmission fees.*

How much does solar cost in Detroit?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include the:

  • Household's energy needs

  • Local weather

  • Local HOA

  • Quality of the solar system

  • Available roof space

  • Shaded roof space

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 cost of owning a 5 kW solar system is $15,750, or in other words, $3.15 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

While there are currently no state- or city-based rebates or credits available, the added value of your solar system is exempt from your property taxes. You may also be eligible for federal solar tax incentives. The Investment Tax Credit offers a tax credit of 26% of the total purchase price of your solar system.*

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

If you're considering going solar in Detroit, hiring a professional solar company can streamline the process significantly. Choosing the right solar installation provider is an essential step in ensuring that your solar panels power your home adequately and help you meet your energy goals.

Reputable solar energy companies should offer you a free consultation, before signing a contract, where you receive a detailed system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, and an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

If you're looking to go solar in Detroit, SunPower can help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our solar experts today. We'll help you get better solar for your home, reduce your energy costs and help offset pollution. You're also welcome to call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

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

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