Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flint, MI (2025 Update)
- Flint Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $23,042
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flint
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Flint.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Flint is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Flint, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,718, or $25,337 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Flint homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Flint
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,464 |
| 3 years | $-13,957 |
| 5 years | $-11,449 |
| 7 years | $-8,942 |
| 9 years | $-6,434 |
| 11 years | $-3,927 |
| 13 years | $-1,420 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $3,595 |
| 19 years | $6,103 |
| 21 years | $8,610 |
| 23 years | $11,117 |
| 25 years | $13,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Flint
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Flint
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flint
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Flint: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly 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 significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Flint average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Flint 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Flint, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,244 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,113 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,210 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,534 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,085 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,864 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,870 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,103 | 11.3 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's Flint, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Flint?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 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 less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Flint have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce 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.