Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rollin, MI (2023 Update)
- Rollin Solar Installation Cost: $11,999
- 25-Year Savings: $23,023
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rollin
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rollin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rollin it's 2.81 per watt. The average Rollin homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,999 with the federal tax credit, or $17,159 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rollin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,882 |
| 3 years | $-11,649 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-11,182 |
| 9 years | $-10,948 |
| 11 years | $-10,715 |
| 13 years | $-10,481 |
| 15 years | $-10,248 |
| 17 years | $-10,014 |
| 19 years | $-9,781 |
| 21 years | $-9,547 |
| 23 years | $-9,314 |
| 25 years | $-9,080 |
Top Solar Installers in Rollin
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rollin, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rollin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rollin
Although the average cost of a solar system in Rollin is $11,999, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rollin average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rollin, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk 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 | $22,173 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,879 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,742 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,762 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,940 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $62,275 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,767 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $79,417 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, 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 Rollin, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rollin?
The average cost of solar panels in Rollin is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rollin?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Rollin?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.