Solar Panel Cost Guide in Odessa, MI (2023 Update)
- Odessa Solar Installation Cost: $12,127
- 25-Year Savings: $21,567
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Odessa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Odessa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Odessa, the average cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Odessa homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,136 with the federal tax credit, or $17,354 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Odessa find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Odessa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,873 |
| 3 years | $-8,365 |
| 5 years | $-5,858 |
| 7 years | $-3,351 |
| 9 years | $-843 |
| 11 years | $1,664 |
| 13 years | $4,171 |
| 15 years | $6,679 |
| 17 years | $9,186 |
| 19 years | $11,694 |
| 21 years | $14,201 |
| 23 years | $16,708 |
| 25 years | $19,216 |
Top Solar Installers in Odessa
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Odessa, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Odessa:
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 Odessa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Odessa
Though the average cost of a solar system in Odessa is $12,136, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Odessa offer 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Odessa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $20,518 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,672 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,983 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,452 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,078 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,861 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,802 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,900 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Odessa, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Odessa?
The average cost of solar panels in Odessa 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Odessa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Odessa. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Odessa have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 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 account for 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.