Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flat Rock, MI (2023 Update)
- Flat Rock Solar Installation Cost: $11,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,200
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flat Rock
We go over average solar pricing in Flat Rock.
In Flat Rock, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Flat Rock, the average price of going solar will be about $11,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Flat Rock can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Flat Rock for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Flat Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,915 |
| 3 years | $-8,906 |
| 5 years | $-6,896 |
| 7 years | $-4,886 |
| 9 years | $-2,877 |
| 11 years | $-867 |
| 13 years | $1,142 |
| 15 years | $3,152 |
| 17 years | $5,161 |
| 19 years | $7,171 |
| 21 years | $9,181 |
| 23 years | $11,190 |
| 25 years | $13,200 |
Top Solar Installers in Flat Rock
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Flat Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flat Rock
For many Flat Rock homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Flat Rock, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Flat Rock homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Flat Rock, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,595 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,108 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,779 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,607 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,592 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,735 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $42,035 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $47,492 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
EcoWatch's Flat Rock, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Flat Rock?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Flat Rock?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Flat Rock have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.