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

  • Farmington Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,969
  • Payback Period: 17.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Farmington

We go over average solar pricing in Farmington.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Farmington, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Farmington, the average price of going solar will be about $17,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Farmington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Farmington homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Farmington for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Farmington

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,163
3 years$-13,379
5 years$-10,594
7 years$-7,809
9 years$-5,025
11 years$-2,240
13 years$545
15 years$3,329
17 years$6,114
19 years$8,899
21 years$11,683
23 years$14,468
25 years$17,253

Top Solar Installers in Farmington

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Farmington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Farmington

Though the average cost of a solar system in Farmington is $17,556, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Farmington to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Farmington, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Farmington know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$6,66518.2 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$9,34117.8 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$12,24517.5 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$15,37617.1 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$18,73416.8 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$22,32016.4 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$26,13316.1 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$30,17415.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Farmington, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Farmington?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Farmington?

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

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.