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

  • Freeland Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,111
  • Payback Period: 12.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Freeland

We go over average solar pricing in Freeland.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Freeland generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Freeland can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Freeland for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Freeland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,364
3 years $-13,856
5 years $-11,349
7 years $-8,842
9 years $-6,334
11 years $-3,827
13 years $-1,319
15 years $1,188
17 years $3,695
19 years $6,203
21 years $8,710
23 years $11,217
25 years $13,725

Top Solar Installers in Freeland

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Freeland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freeland

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Freeland is $17,618, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Freeland, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Freeland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freeland is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 $4.22 $17,734 $16,437 13.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $22,370 12.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $28,531 12.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $34,920 12.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $41,535 12.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $48,378 11.7 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $55,449 11.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $62,747 11.2 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Freeland, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Freeland?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. 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.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Freeland?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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