Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flint, MI (Mar 2023)
- Flint Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $23,050
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flint
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Flint.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Flint it's 2.81 per watt. The average Flint homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,254 with the federal tax credit, or $17,523 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Flint homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Flint
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,842 |
| 3 years | $-8,018 |
| 5 years | $-5,194 |
| 7 years | $-2,369 |
| 9 years | $455 |
| 11 years | $3,279 |
| 13 years | $6,104 |
| 15 years | $8,928 |
| 17 years | $11,752 |
| 19 years | $14,577 |
| 21 years | $17,401 |
| 23 years | $20,226 |
| 25 years | $23,050 |
Top Solar Installers in Flint
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote 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 Flint
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flint
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Flint is $12,254, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,810. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Flint to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Flint, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,704 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,253 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,960 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,824 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,845 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,024 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,360 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,853 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Flint, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Flint?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Flint?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Flint 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.