Solar Guide
Solar in Flint
Flint, Michigan residents are discovering solar energy as a smart solution to rising electricity costs. With Michigan electricity prices jumping 19% from 2020 to 2024, many Flint homeowners are exploring how solar panels for home use can provide long-term savings.
Understanding your solar options in Flint means knowing the local benefits, installation process, and financial considerations that make solar work for your family.
Key Takeaways
- Flint residents can save approximately $40,000 over 25 years with solar panels while reducing dependence on rising electricity rates.
- Michigan offers property tax exemptions that protect homeowners from increased assessments when adding solar systems to their homes.
- Solar systems work efficiently year-round in Michigan, producing reliable energy even during cloudy winter months.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Flint neighborhoods including Burton, Flushing, and Grand Blanc. Get accurate pricing estimates based on actual local projects, not generic estimates.
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Flint Electricity Prices
Flint residents face electricity costs that consistently outpace national averages, making energy expenses a growing concern for local families.
Michigan electricity rates climbed from 17.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 19.3 cents in 2024, representing a 10.3% increase over three years.
Solar panel installation in Flint MI offers homeowners a way to generate their own electricity and reduce dependence on rising utility rates.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue climbing, offering long-term financial protection for families.
Price of Energy: Michigan vs National Average
Flint Area Utility Providers
Flint residents pay above-average electricity rates through two main providers: Consumers Energy at 18.8¢ per kWh and DTE Energy at 19.7¢ per kWh in 2023.
Both utilities exceed the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh, with DTE rates running 23% higher than typical American households pay.
These higher electricity costs mean Flint families spend more on monthly energy bills, making solar panels an attractive option for long-term savings.
Flint Utilities Electricity Rates
Michigan Solar Incentives
Flint residents can reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in Michigan and federal programs designed to make clean energy affordable.
Michigan offers property tax exemptions that protect homeowners from increased assessments when adding solar systems. The state’s net billing program also provides credits for excess electricity produced.
These incentives can change over time, so researching current programs and acting promptly helps maximize your solar investment savings.
$6,102
Average savings in Michigan solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | Exempts your solar system’s added value from property tax assessment. Annual savings based on local tax rates. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
I apologize, but the document you’ve provided appears to be about emergency services authorities and municipal bond financing, not about solar energy property tax exemptions. The legislation (Michigan Senate Bill 821) deals with emergency services authorities’ powers to issue bonds and levy taxes, but does not contain any information about solar energy systems or property tax exemptions for renewable energy installations.
To provide you with an accurate description of Michigan’s solar property tax exemption program, I would need the correct legislative text or official documentation that specifically addresses solar energy property tax exemptions. This might be found in a different Michigan statute or administrative rule that deals with renewable energy incentives rather than emergency services financing.
Michigan’s Distributed Generation Program (Net Billing) is a state-wide policy that allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credits for excess electricity they send back to the grid. Unlike traditional net metering where you receive full retail credit, this program credits your exported solar energy at a reduced rate that varies by utility company and time of day. You’ll still pay the full retail rate for electricity you use from the grid, but any solar power you don’t use immediately gets credited to your account at the lower export rate.
The financial benefits depend on your specific utility company. DTE Energy customers receive approximately 8.5 cents per kWh for off-peak exports and around 14 cents per kWh during summer peak hours (4-7pm). Consumers Energy credits range from 9-16 cents per kWh depending on season and time, with the highest rates during summer peak (2-7pm). Indiana-Michigan Power offers 12.4 cents per kWh, while Lansing Board of Water & Light provides 6-10 cents per kWh plus an additional 1.3 cents per kWh for the first five years. All excess credits roll over month-to-month as dollar amounts that can be applied to future electricity bills.
This program is available to all residential solar customers in Michigan, with monthly settlement periods across all participating utilities. The key advantage is that solar energy you use directly in your home still avoids the full retail electricity rate, maximizing your immediate savings. However, since export credits are lower than retail rates, the program emphasizes the importance of sizing your solar system to match your actual energy consumption rather than overproducing for the grid.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Michigan incentives.
Get a Free QuoteFlint Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Flint’s cold winters and shorter daylight hours may seem challenging, but modern solar systems efficiently capture Michigan’s available sunlight year-round for reliable energy production.
Solar Production in Flint by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Flint
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Flint neighbors are already switching to clean energy! Explore this interactive map to discover which communities near you have embraced solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
Flint residents served by DTE Energy and Consumers Energy can access Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) through Palmetto’s LightReach program. With a PPA, you pay for the actual solar electricity generated at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than your current utility rate.
This financing option eliminates the upfront investment costs of purchasing solar panels while still providing immediate savings on your electricity bills. Unlike cash purchases where you handle maintenance and repairs yourself, PPA agreements include system monitoring, maintenance, and performance guarantees from Palmetto.
The key advantage is predictable energy costs over 20+ years while avoiding the responsibility of system ownership. Learn more about solar financing options to determine if a PPA fits your financial goals better than purchasing outright.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense in Flint due to rising electricity costs and available financial incentives. Michigan electricity rates increased 19% from 2020 to 2024, making solar an attractive long-term investment.
Flint residents can save approximately $40,000 over 25 years with solar panels while benefiting from the 30% federal tax credit and Michigan’s property tax exemption. Solar systems work efficiently year-round in Michigan’s climate, providing reliable energy production even during winter months.
Flint does not have traditional net metering. Michigan utilities including DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, which serve the Flint area, use a net billing system instead of 1:1 net metering.
Under net billing, you pay full retail rates for electricity used from the grid but receive reduced credits for excess solar power sent back. DTE credits range from 8.5-14 cents per kWh, while Consumers Energy offers 9-16 cents per kWh depending on time and season.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Flint, MI. Research shows that solar installations typically add 4.1% to home values, which can translate to thousands of dollars in increased equity for Flint homeowners.
Beyond the immediate value boost, solar panels make your home more attractive to buyers who want predictable energy costs and environmental benefits. Michigan’s property tax exemption means you won’t pay higher taxes on your home’s increased value from solar installation.
Solar costs in Flint range from $11,700 to $19,700 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs. A typical 6.4 kW system costs around $14,200 after incentives.
System prices vary based on your roof characteristics, energy usage, and chosen equipment. Most Flint families see 11-year payback periods with $40,000+ in 25-year savings, making solar a smart long-term investment despite upfront costs.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Flint, MI. With Michigan electricity rates at 19.3¢/kWh and rising 19% since 2020, solar provides long-term protection against increasing energy costs.
Flint homeowners typically see 11-year payback periods with $40,000+ savings over 25 years. The 30% federal tax credit and Michigan’s property tax exemption reduce upfront costs, making solar a smart financial investment for most families.
We recommend Palmetto Solar as the leading choice for Flint residents. We’ve completed 826 installations across Michigan since 2020, bringing proven expertise to your local area.
Our comprehensive approach includes some of the industry’s best financing options and a trusted install network. We focus on making solar accessible and reliable for Michigan families, with transparent pricing and quality service throughout your solar journey.