Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, MI (2023 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $12,145
- 25-Year Savings: $20,382
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
We go over average solar pricing in Lansing.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lansing is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,136 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Lansing homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,862 |
| 3 years | $-8,296 |
| 5 years | $-5,730 |
| 7 years | $-3,165 |
| 9 years | $-599 |
| 11 years | $1,967 |
| 13 years | $4,532 |
| 15 years | $7,098 |
| 17 years | $9,664 |
| 19 years | $12,230 |
| 21 years | $14,795 |
| 23 years | $17,361 |
| 25 years | $19,927 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Lansing: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lansing average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lansing homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,334 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $26,094 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $33,011 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $40,085 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $47,316 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $54,705 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $62,252 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $69,955 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Lansing, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lansing?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lansing?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lansing?
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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lansing?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.