Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleville, MI (2023 Update)

  • Middleville Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,447
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Middleville

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Middleville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middleville it's 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Middleville is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,058 for a solar installation, or $17,243 before the 30% 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 consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Middleville homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Middleville for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Middleville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,678
3 years $-7,917
5 years $-5,157
7 years $-2,396
9 years $364
11 years $3,124
13 years $5,885
15 years $8,645
17 years $11,405
19 years $14,166
21 years $16,926
23 years $19,686
25 years $22,447

Top Solar Installers in Middleville

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Middleville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleville

For many Middleville homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middleville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,810. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Middleville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Middleville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $21,492 9.1 years
8 kW $2.87 $16,051 $28,971 8.9 years
10 kW $2.81 $19,670 $36,607 8.7 years
12 kW $2.75 $23,132 $44,401 8.6 years
14 kW $2.70 $26,436 $52,351 8.4 years
16 kW $2.64 $29,584 $60,460 8.2 years
18 kW $2.59 $32,574 $68,725 8.0 years
20 kW $2.53 $35,406 $77,148 7.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Middleville, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Middleville 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Middleville?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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.

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 Middleville is currently $193,700, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,942 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middleville is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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