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

  • Marion Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,346
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Marion

We break down average solar pricing in Marion.

In Marion, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Marion is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,582 for a solar installation, or $25,142 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Marion for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Marion

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,328
3 years$-13,821
5 years$-11,313
7 years$-8,806
9 years$-6,299
11 years$-3,791
13 years$-1,284
15 years$1,224
17 years$3,731
19 years$6,238
21 years$8,746
23 years$11,253
25 years$13,761

Top Solar Installers in Marion

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Marion

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion

For many Marion homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Marion, 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Marion, 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 promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$9,92116.0 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$13,68315.7 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$17,67215.4 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$21,88915.1 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$26,33214.8 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$31,00414.5 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$35,90214.2 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$41,02813.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • 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 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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Marion, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

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

Are solar panels free in Marion?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Marion. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.