Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bangor, MI (2024 Update)

  • Bangor Solar Installation Cost: $17,495
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,131
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bangor

We break down average solar pricing in Bangor.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bangor it’s 4 per watt.The average Bangor homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,495 with the federal tax credit, or $25,018 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bangor find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bangor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,241
3 years $-13,734
5 years $-11,226
7 years $-8,719
9 years $-6,212
11 years $-3,704
13 years $-1,197
15 years $1,311
17 years $3,818
19 years $6,325
21 years $8,833
23 years $11,340
25 years $13,848

Top Solar Installers in Bangor

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

See all of the solar companies in Bangor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bangor

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bangor is $17,495, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bangor average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bangor homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bangor is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Bangor know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.22 $17,734 $13,690 14.1 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $18,707 13.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $23,953 13.6 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $29,425 13.3 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $35,125 13.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $41,053 12.8 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $47,207 12.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $53,589 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

EcoWatch's Bangor, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bangor?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bangor?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Bangor?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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