FAQs

How long will a solar installation take?

A typical system requires 1-2 days of on-site work. However, some projects can take longer depending on a number of variables. After a site assessment has been completed a more accurate installation time frame can be determined.

What is the average system cost?

Similar to installation time, there are a number of variables that can affect the final system cost. That said, solar prices are typically expressed in dollars ($) per watt (w) for the installed equipment; in Michigan residential systems cost between $2.65-$3.59/watt. The average Michigan household needs a system that is about 6kW (6,000 w) to be able to offset 100% of their annual electrical consumption. This all adds up to an average system cost in Michigan ranging between $15,360 - $21,540 before incentives. With larger commercial or non-profit projects these number can change significantly due to economies of scale.

Are there any incentives available to help lower the cost?

Yes, currently there is a Federal Tax Credit Program that applies to solar installations (and other forms of renewable energy) that was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. It is a fully refundable tax credit and is currently set at 30% of the total system cost, and includes battery storage. The current rate of 30% will be valid through 2032 before it starts to step down incrementally.

How will my utility bill change with solar installed?

With a properly sized system there will be months when you produce more electricity than you use. When this happens the excess energy produced is sold back to your utility company at a predetermined fix rate. In Michigan that rate is called a Distributed Generation Rate and it is roughly three quarters of the rate you are charged. At times when you consume more than you produce you will continue to purchase electricity from your utility company at your normal rate. A properly sized system will produce the same amount of energy you consumer on an annual basis. This mean that you should see a reduction in your annual utility bill by about 75-85%. However, you will still have a utility bill due to the difference in what you are charged for electricity vs what the utility company pays you for your excess as well as a fixed grid connection charge. This isn’t to say that solar doesn’t pay for itself, the equipment has a typical lifespan and warranty of 25 years and will usually pay for itself in the first 8-12 years in Michigan.

What happens to my solar array when the power goes out?

When a power outage occurs your solar array will also stop producing energy. This is because the National Electrical Code requires that your system shutdown when the utility grid goes down in order to ensure that your system is unable to send energy back to the grid and potentially injure or kill a utility line worker. That said, installing a battery backup and an automatic transfer switch, which isolates your system from the utility grid, can allow you to continue to charge your batteries using your solar array which can then provide the power your home needs while the grid is down.

Does a solar array require maintenance?

Not much, every system we install includes monitoring that provides live detailed system information. Periodically checking your monitoring system along with a visual inspection for any physical damage, is about all the maintenance your system will ever need.