Solar Panel Cost Guide in Michigan Center, MI (2023 Update)
- Michigan Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,045
- 25-Year Savings: $22,451
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Michigan Center
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Michigan Center.
The average cost of a solar system in Michigan Center is 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Michigan Center, the average price of going solar will be about $12,038 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Michigan Center homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Michigan Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,791 |
| 3 years | $-8,284 |
| 5 years | $-5,777 |
| 7 years | $-3,269 |
| 9 years | $-762 |
| 11 years | $1,746 |
| 13 years | $4,253 |
| 15 years | $6,760 |
| 17 years | $9,268 |
| 19 years | $11,775 |
| 21 years | $14,283 |
| 23 years | $16,790 |
| 25 years | $19,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Michigan Center
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Michigan Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Michigan Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Michigan Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Michigan Center, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $21,526 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,016 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,664 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,469 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,431 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,550 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,827 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,261 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Michigan Center, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Michigan Center?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.