Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, MI (2023 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $12,077
- 25-Year Savings: $22,581
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lee, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Lee homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,077 with the federal tax credit, or $17,270 before the 30% 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 needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lee can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,691 |
| 3 years | $-7,918 |
| 5 years | $-5,146 |
| 7 years | $-2,373 |
| 9 years | $400 |
| 11 years | $3,172 |
| 13 years | $5,945 |
| 15 years | $8,717 |
| 17 years | $11,490 |
| 19 years | $14,263 |
| 21 years | $17,035 |
| 23 years | $19,808 |
| 25 years | $22,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Lee, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
Cost is typically 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 Lee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lee, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lee offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Lee, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,575 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,081 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,745 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,566 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,545 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,681 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,974 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,424 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Lee, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lee?
The average cost of solar panels in Lee 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Lee, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.