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 February 03, 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 look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Marion homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Marion

Year Return 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 going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Marion

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion

For many Marion homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on 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 few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Marion homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Marion’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $9,921 16.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $13,683 15.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $17,672 15.4 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $21,889 15.1 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $26,332 14.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $31,004 14.5 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $35,902 14.2 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $41,028 13.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Marion, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

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 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 actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Marion?

Solar panels aren’t free in Marion, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Marion is currently $168,891, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,925 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marion is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.

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