Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, MI (2024 Update)

  • Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,091
  • Payback Period: 17.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Plymouth

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Plymouth.

In Plymouth, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Plymouth homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,379 with the federal tax credit, or $24,852 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Plymouth

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,987
3 years $-13,202
5 years $-10,417
7 years $-7,633
9 years $-4,848
11 years $-2,063
13 years $721
15 years $3,506
17 years $6,291
19 years $9,075
21 years $11,860
23 years $14,645
25 years $17,429

Top Solar Installers in Plymouth

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Plymouth:

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 Plymouth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Plymouth: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Plymouth, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plymouth to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Plymouth homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Plymouth’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better 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 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 $4.22 $17,734 $6,913 18.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,672 17.6 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,658 17.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,872 17.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $19,313 16.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,981 16.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,877 15.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $31,000 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • 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.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power 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 what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.

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 Plymouth, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Plymouth?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Plymouth. However, you may still be able to get 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.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Plymouth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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