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

  • Independence Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,969
  • Payback Period: 17.5 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 Independence

We break down average solar pricing in Independence.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Independence it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,556 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Independence homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Independence

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,163
3 years $-13,379
5 years $-10,594
7 years $-7,809
9 years $-5,025
11 years $-2,240
13 years $545
15 years $3,329
17 years $6,114
19 years $8,899
21 years $11,683
23 years $14,468
25 years $17,253

Top Solar Installers in Independence

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Independence

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence

The cost of installing a solar system in Independence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Independence, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Independence, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 $4.22 $17,734 $6,665 18.2 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,341 17.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,245 17.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,376 17.1 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $18,734 16.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,320 16.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,133 16.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $30,174 15.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many 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: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.

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 Independence, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Independence is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Independence?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Independence?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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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