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)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Michigan?
Michigan has active plug-in solar legislation under HB 5764, currently introduced, but it has not been enacted. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
After checking today's utility, electrical and property requirements, compare published product options for Michigan. A product listing is not permission to install.
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)
Explore Your Next Steps in Michigan
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your MI setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Michigan — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Follow the national legislation picture — See how pending proposals compare with enacted plug-in solar frameworks in other states.