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

  • Saginaw Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,111
  • Payback Period: 12.5 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 Saginaw

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saginaw.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Saginaw generally cost around 4.The average Saginaw homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,618 with the federal tax credit, or $25,194 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Saginaw homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Saginaw

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,364
3 years $-13,856
5 years $-11,349
7 years $-8,842
9 years $-6,334
11 years $-3,827
13 years $-1,319
15 years $1,188
17 years $3,695
19 years $6,203
21 years $8,710
23 years $11,217
25 years $13,725

Top Solar Installers in Saginaw

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Saginaw, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Saginaw

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saginaw

There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Saginaw.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Saginaw average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Saginaw, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Saginaw, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Saginaw are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $4.22 $17,734 $16,437 13.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $22,370 12.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $28,531 12.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $34,920 12.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $41,535 12.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $48,378 11.7 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $55,449 11.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $62,747 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • 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 what services you can expect from them.

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 Saginaw, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saginaw?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Saginaw?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Saginaw. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,139.03 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Saginaw?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

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