Solar Panel Cost Guide in Midland, MI (2024 Update)
- Midland Solar Installation Cost: $17,477
- 25-Year Savings: $23,208
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Midland
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Midland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Midland it’s 4 per watt.The average Midland homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,477 with the federal tax credit, or $24,992 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Midland based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Midland homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Midland for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Midland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,223 |
| 3 years | $-13,716 |
| 5 years | $-11,209 |
| 7 years | $-8,701 |
| 9 years | $-6,194 |
| 11 years | $-3,686 |
| 13 years | $-1,179 |
| 15 years | $1,328 |
| 17 years | $3,836 |
| 19 years | $6,343 |
| 21 years | $8,851 |
| 23 years | $11,358 |
| 25 years | $13,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Midland
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Midland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Midland
For many Midland homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Midland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Midland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Midland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Midland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Midland is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,711 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,737 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,989 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,469 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,176 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,111 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $56,273 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,662 | 11.1 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:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Midland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Midland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Midland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Midland. 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Midland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Midland?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.