Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mills, MI (2025 Update)
- Mills Solar Installation Cost: $17,649
- 25-Year Savings: $22,689
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mills
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mills, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mills, the average price of going solar will be about $17,649 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Mills homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,395 |
| 3 years | $-13,888 |
| 5 years | $-11,380 |
| 7 years | $-8,873 |
| 9 years | $-6,365 |
| 11 years | $-3,858 |
| 13 years | $-1,351 |
| 15 years | $1,157 |
| 17 years | $3,664 |
| 19 years | $6,172 |
| 21 years | $8,679 |
| 23 years | $11,186 |
| 25 years | $13,694 |
Top Solar Installers in Mills
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Mills, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Mills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mills
The cost of installing a solar system in Mills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant 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 panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,060. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mills homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Mills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $15,990 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,775 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,787 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,026 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,493 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,187 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,109 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,258 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Mills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Mills, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mills?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mills?
Solar panels aren’t free in Mills, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.