Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, MI (2023 Update)
- Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $12,028
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plymouth.
In Plymouth, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Plymouth, the average price of going solar will be about $12,038 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Plymouth based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Plymouth homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Plymouth that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plymouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,945 |
| 3 years | $-11,777 |
| 5 years | $-11,610 |
| 7 years | $-11,442 |
| 9 years | $-11,275 |
| 11 years | $-11,107 |
| 13 years | $-10,940 |
| 15 years | $-10,772 |
| 17 years | $-10,605 |
| 19 years | $-10,438 |
| 21 years | $-10,270 |
| 23 years | $-10,103 |
| 25 years | $-9,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Plymouth
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Plymouth:
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 Plymouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth
Though the average cost of a solar system in Plymouth is $12,038, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 greater efficiency or power production need 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. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Plymouth homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Plymouth, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plymouth are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,812 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,408 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,162 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,073 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,141 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,367 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,750 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Plymouth, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plymouth?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Plymouth?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.