Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrison, MI (Mar 2023)

  • Harrison Solar Installation Cost: $11,959
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,160
  • Payback Period: 11.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Harrison

We break down average solar pricing in Harrison.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harrison it's 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Harrison, the average price of going solar will be about $11,959 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Harrison homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Harrison that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Harrison

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,955
3 years $-8,945
5 years $-6,935
7 years $-4,926
9 years $-2,916
11 years $-907
13 years $1,103
15 years $3,112
17 years $5,122
19 years $7,132
21 years $9,141
23 years $11,151
25 years $13,160

Top Solar Installers in Harrison

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Harrison

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrison

For many Harrison homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harrison, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Harrison. The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Harrison, and each can charge different amounts 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 pricing, 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 $12,529 12.4 years
8 kW $2.87 $16,051 $17,020 12.1 years
10 kW $2.81 $19,670 $21,668 11.9 years
12 kW $2.75 $23,132 $26,474 11.7 years
14 kW $2.70 $26,436 $31,437 11.4 years
16 kW $2.64 $29,584 $36,557 11.2 years
18 kW $2.59 $32,574 $41,835 10.9 years
20 kW $2.53 $35,406 $47,270 10.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Harrison, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

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

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harrison is currently $207,056, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,489 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harrison is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.

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