Plug-In Solar in Michigan — Legislation Pending
Bill: HB 5764 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Jenn Hill
Legislative Status: Introduced. No committee vote yet.
Current Status: Introduced · In Committee (2026)
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 17.9¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $200/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4 |
| Retail Choice | limited |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from MPSC interconnection requirements.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. |
| Key Differences | HB 5764 follows the standard model legislation template for plug-in solar. Michigan's existing distributed generation programs could complement plug-in solar adoption. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits. |
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Consumers Energy or DTE Energy approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Michigan utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Michigan property tax exemption for solar systems up to 150 kW (100% exemption on added home value). Michigan Distributed Generation (net billing) program provides bill credits for excess solar. Lansing Board of Water & Light offers $500/kW solar rebate (up to $2,000 for 4 kW) for LBWL customers. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Michigan Distributed Generation Program — MPSC — Net billing program for excess solar generation; bill credits applied to future bills.
- Michigan Solar Property Tax Exemption — Michigan.gov — 100% property tax exemption on added home value from solar systems up to 150 kW.
- Lansing Board of Water & Light — Solar Rebate — $500/kW solar rebate (up to $2,000) for LBWL electric customers.
- DSIRE — Michigan Solar Incentives — Full list of Michigan state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 10,037,261 |
| Total Households | 3,984,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 2,870,400 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,113,600 |
| Single-Family Homes | 2,807,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 539,000 |
| Median Household Income | $72,118 |
| Median Home Value | $212,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.16 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1200 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Consumers Energy Company | ~1.8 million customers | Yes |
| DTE Electric Company | ~2.3 million customers | Yes |
| Indiana Michigan Power Company | ~411,749 residential customers | Yes |
| Alpena Power Company | ~16,550 customers | Yes |
| Northern States Power Company - Wisconsin (Xcel) | ~9,517 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)