Clean energy lights up Vehicle City

The state of solar in Flint

Flint sees slightly less sunshine than the average U.S. city at 169 days each year,^*Best Places. Flint, MI, Climate. May 2021. yet the city’s solar energy future looks bright. An estimated 70% of its rooftops are solar viable,^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). and bipartisan legislation proposed in 2021 would expand distributed solar generation programs across the state.

These programs are Michigan’s version of net metering, a process whereby home and business owners can transfer excess energy from their solar systems back to the grid for a credit on their electricity bill. That credit can offset the costs of any electricity usage from the grid, resulting in higher overall electricity cost savings from solar adoption. The solar industry in Flint is poised for a boom.

How much solar energy does Flint produce?

Genesee County as a whole generates 48.2 MW of power from clean energy sources. However, no data is available regarding how much of that capacity is from solar alone or the City of Flint. Google’s Project Sunroof estimates that Flint had at least 35 existing solar installations in 2018.

However, that number has grown, thanks in part to Consumers Energy and its goal of generating 90% of its power from renewable sources. For instance, in early 2021, Consumers Energy and two partners brought five new 2 MW solar farms online in Genesee County.^*Mlive. 8 new solar energy projects in Genesee and Saginaw counties are now online. January 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in Flint?

The potential electricity cost savings are one significant advantage of going solar. Electricity rates in Flint are 15.4% higher than the national average.^*Electricity Local. Flint Electricity Rates. May 2021. Meanwhile, solar installation costs have dropped 45% in the last five years alone.^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Michigan Solar. Q4 2020. As a result, an average 5 kW solar system could offer savings as high as $27,000 over 20 years of use and may even pay for itself within 10-11 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Flint, MI. May 2021.

With battery storage, solar power can also offer greater grid independence. Flint is no stranger to extreme weather, from snowstorms to tornados, and power outages can be a real problem.

Depending on your home’s appliances and water source, you could lose heat and even water—let alone all your cold-storage perishable food—but not with backup solar power. Even better, a solar system will add tax-free value to your home, increasing your equity.

How much does solar cost in Flint?

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

• Available roof space

• Angle of the roof

• Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

• Local permitting costs

• Household 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.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020

  In Flint, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $2.83 to $3.03, or in other words, from $14,150 to $15,150 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

  While Michigan doesn’t currently offer any solar incentives beyond distributed generation programs, if you purchase your solar system, you may be able to claim the 26% federal tax credit.^*The availability of tax credits and distribution programs is subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

  What’s the best way to go solar in Flint?

  Before installing a solar system, it’s vital to evaluate your roof, energy usage, and budget. The best way to maximize your return on investment is to work with a reputable solar provider who can design a custom system to meet your needs. Keep in mind that quality, durability, and appearance vary from provider to provider.

  You'll also need to consider whether you want battery storage, a grid-tied system, or both, as well as how much of your electricity needs you want to meet with your system.

  Request a free consultation today to get started. We'll contact you to schedule a time that works for you. Or feel free to call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.