Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, MI (2025 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $17,459
- 25-Year Savings: $22,574
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
See how much it might cost to go solar in Lee.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lee typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,459 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lee homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lee find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,206 |
| 3 years | $-13,698 |
| 5 years | $-11,191 |
| 7 years | $-8,684 |
| 9 years | $-6,176 |
| 11 years | $-3,669 |
| 13 years | $-1,161 |
| 15 years | $1,346 |
| 17 years | $3,853 |
| 19 years | $6,361 |
| 21 years | $8,868 |
| 23 years | $11,376 |
| 25 years | $13,883 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Lee.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lee have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lee is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Lee know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,115 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,941 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,995 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,276 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,785 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,521 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,484 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,674 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Lee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Lee, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lee?
The average cost of solar panels in Lee 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lee?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Lee?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Lee?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.