Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center Line, MI (2024 Update)
- Center Line Solar Installation Cost: $17,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center Line
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Center Line.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Center Line typically cost around 4.The average Center Line homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,270 with the federal tax credit, or $24,696 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Center Line based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Center Line homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Center Line
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,878 |
| 3 years | $-13,093 |
| 5 years | $-10,308 |
| 7 years | $-7,524 |
| 9 years | $-4,739 |
| 11 years | $-1,954 |
| 13 years | $830 |
| 15 years | $3,615 |
| 17 years | $6,400 |
| 19 years | $9,185 |
| 21 years | $11,969 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $17,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Center Line
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Center Line:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Center Line
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center Line
For many Center Line homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Center Line, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Center Line.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Center Line’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Center Line know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $7,069 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,880 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,918 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $16,184 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,677 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $23,397 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $27,345 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,520 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Center Line, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Center Line?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Center Line?
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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Center Line, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Center Line?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.