Solar power in Lansing, Michigan
Consumer Energy offers their customers net metering. This is great news, as it means that it's easy for Lansing residents to eliminate their electric bill entirely through solar.
Lansing residents can also take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. The tax credit is equal to a large portion of the cost of a solar system (26% in 2020, and 22% in 2021) and is applied to your federal income taxes. In some cases, you may be able to wipe out your entire tax bill for a year!
The combination of the federal tax credit and Consumer Energy’s net metering program can provide you with a great return on investment on a solar system installation in Michigan.
Net Metering Broken Down
Consumer Energy will pay its solar customers for any excess electricity their solar systems generate at the avoided cost rate of electricity. The avoided cost rate is less than the retail rate of electricity, but it is still extra money in your pocket that you can apply to your electric bill.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Lansing,
Michigan in 2025 is
$2.58 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Lansing, MI
is $12,900.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in Michigan is only 688kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Lansing solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our Michigan solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Eaton Rapids, Consumers Energy Company, The DTE Electric Company, City of Lansing, Tri-County Electric Coop, Wolverine Pwr Supply Coop, Inc
How much can solar panels save you in Lansing
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 7.98kW solar system in Lansing, MI
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $108, however your situation may vary so try our Lansing solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$14,704
Net cost of system
9 Years 4 Months
Average payback time
9,062 kWh
Annual power production
6¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
25¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 7.98kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$36,384
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
2
Solar companies in Lansing, MI that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Lansing
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,016 | $6,497 |
| 4kw | $7,903 | $8,535 |
| 5kw | $9,694 | $10,470 |
| 6kw | $11,455 | $12,372 |
| 7kw | $13,105 | $14,154 |
| 8kw | $14,741 | $15,920 |
| 9kw | $16,250 | $17,550 |
| 10kw | $17,760 | $19,181 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in Michigan
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Michigan can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
