Solar Panel Cost Guide in Genesee, MI (Mar 2023)
- Genesee Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $18,976
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Genesee
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Genesee.
The average cost of solar panels in Genesee 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 figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Genesee homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Genesee see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Genesee for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Genesee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,005 |
| 3 years | $-8,507 |
| 5 years | $-6,008 |
| 7 years | $-3,510 |
| 9 years | $-1,011 |
| 11 years | $1,487 |
| 13 years | $3,985 |
| 15 years | $6,484 |
| 17 years | $8,982 |
| 19 years | $11,481 |
| 21 years | $13,979 |
| 23 years | $16,478 |
| 25 years | $18,976 |
Top Solar Installers in Genesee
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Genesee, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many Genesee homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Genesee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Genesee. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Genesee, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 large number of companies to choose from in Genesee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Genesee is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Genesee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Genesee, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 long do solar panels last in Genesee?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.