Farm Solar System Info

Solar Geek Out

During the fall of 2019, we installed a solar system to be able to use renewable energy to power our farmstead. The system is grid-tied (no battery back up) and dependent on net metering (Michigan has ample sun/long days in summer and short cloudy days in winter— net meting allows us to ‘bank’ that summer sun for use in winter). We estimate our solar system will pay us back in 5.5 years, or less*. Here’s the full geek out. We spent $12,600 to install the 9.9 kW system; we installed it ourselves. Expect to pay about 40-50% more if you hire the installation out (…therefore, expect a payback time that is 40 to 50% longer than what we have). 

We were able to take advantage of the 30% tax credit that was still available for 2019. As I understand it, the tax credit has gone down to 22% for 2021 and is set to expire in 2022. Our total was ~$8,800 (after tax credit). We were able to do the project without a loan (there is financing available through the MIsaves program).

So our total usage for 2019 was 11,465 kW. We are calculating that to cost $1,588 per year at 2020 rates and $1,777 at 2021 rates. At that rate, we expect a 4.95-5.5 year payback. The panels have a 25-year lifespan. Reminder, this is high usage because it is our household and farm. Further reminder, your best savings are in energy efficiency/ reducing energy consumption.

* Starting January 1, 2021, there be an 11.93% increase in Consumers Energy electric rates, so realistically it will actually be a bit less than five years at the new rates.

INstallation

As I mentioned, we chose to do a DIY installation. We (read, mostly ‘Mr. Swallowtail’) are pretty handy and have done a lot of renovation projects around the house and farm. I will say that the panels/ mounting system were fairly ‘plug and play’/ relatively simple to install (well, except for being on a roof! — link to IG video of install). The electrical is trickier. We were lucky to have an electrician friend who consulted with us and a fair amount of electrical experience going into it.

We decided to do a roof mount because we had a metal roof that was about the right size, south-facing, with very little to no shading and an electrical sub-panel nearby. We felt like it was a fairly ideal location for them. For many folks, a ground mount panel installation will make more sense/ be easier. We are in a location with ample space and full sun, if you are in a neighborhood you might not have access to full sun.

MI Solar Sources

We sourced our panels/inverter etc. from D2 solar in Detroit. Another good option for solar supplies in MI is McNaughton McKay Electric out of Ann Arbor. We also had quotes from two local installers which included Country Air & Solar as well as Harvest Solar energy, both of which we would’ve felt comfortable going with if we had hired out the installation.

Please understand that we are sharing to try and encourage others and share what we found in our case. The calculations on cost and payback are to the best of my non-expert ability. Our experience and configuration may not apply to your situation.