Solar savings & payback in Detroit
Modest sun and a reduced export rate, daytime self-use matters.
This calculator uses Detroit's own sun (~3.5 kWh/kW/day, 5% below the MI average) with Michigan's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 16.4 years.
- Detroit sun
- ~3.5 kWh/kW/day
- MI average sun
- ~3.7 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 19¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Net billing (reduced export rate)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Michigan page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Detroit solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Detroit?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Detroit system pays for itself in about 16.4 years, using local sun (~3.5 kWh per kW per day), Michigan's average 19¢/kWh rate, and net billing (reduced export rate). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Modest sun and a reduced export rate, daytime self-use matters.
How much do solar panels generate in Detroit?
Roughly 3.5 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,278 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 7700 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Detroit?
Relatively high rates help despite modest sun and export value. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.