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Plug-in solar in Michigan

Not yet — a bill is moving in Michigan

  • HB 5764 introduced; in committee at last report (July 2026)

Last verified

Status
Bill advancing
Bill
HB 5764
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
23.05¢/kWh (+26% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$181saved

Payback ≈ 5.0 yrs · ranks #16 of 51 for savings

Michigan's HB 5764 would create a legal path for plug-in solar. At last report it was in committee.

Michigan households pay more than the national average for electricity, but the state's sunshine is among the weakest in the lower 48, so system orientation will matter a lot.

What plug-in solar is worth in Michigan

Michigan households pay an average of 23.05¢ per kWh, 26% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 3.9 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$181
Payback ($900 kit)
5.0 yr
Energy used
783 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,615

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$271
Payback ($1,300 kit)
4.8 yr
Energy used
1,175 kWh/yr
25-year net
$5,472

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Michigan

$181/ year

≈ $15.05 per month

Payback
5.0 yrs
Energy used
783 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,615
CO₂ avoided
635 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Michigan state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Michigan plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Michigan?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill is moving through the legislature. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Michigan?

At Michigan's average residential rate of 23.05¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 3.9 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $181 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 5.0 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Michigan?

There is no Michigan-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Michigan sources and your utility.