Solar Panel Cost Guide in Genesee, MI (2023 Update)
- Genesee Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $18,968
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Genesee
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Genesee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Genesee, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Genesee is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,254 for a solar installation, or $17,523 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Genesee for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Genesee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,159 |
| 3 years | $-11,950 |
| 5 years | $-11,742 |
| 7 years | $-11,534 |
| 9 years | $-11,326 |
| 11 years | $-11,118 |
| 13 years | $-10,909 |
| 15 years | $-10,701 |
| 17 years | $-10,493 |
| 19 years | $-10,285 |
| 21 years | $-10,077 |
| 23 years | $-9,868 |
| 25 years | $-9,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Genesee
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Genesee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Genesee
The cost of installing a solar system in Genesee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Genesee, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Genesee, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Genesee, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Genesee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $17,783 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $24,025 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $30,425 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $36,982 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $43,697 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $50,568 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $57,597 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $64,784 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Genesee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Genesee, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Genesee?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Genesee?
Solar panels aren't free in Genesee, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Genesee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.