Solar Panel Cost Guide in Odessa, MI (Mar 2023)
- Odessa Solar Installation Cost: $12,136
- 25-Year Savings: $21,557
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Odessa
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Odessa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Odessa it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,136 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Odessa can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Odessa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Odessa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,789 |
| 3 years | $-8,093 |
| 5 years | $-5,398 |
| 7 years | $-2,702 |
| 9 years | $-7 |
| 11 years | $2,689 |
| 13 years | $5,384 |
| 15 years | $8,080 |
| 17 years | $10,775 |
| 19 years | $13,471 |
| 21 years | $16,166 |
| 23 years | $18,862 |
| 25 years | $21,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Odessa
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in Odessa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Odessa
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Odessa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 limited roof space 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include 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 solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $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
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Odessa?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Odessa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Odessa. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Odessa is currently $134,800, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,527 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Odessa is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Odessa?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.