Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saline, MI (2023 Update)
- Saline Solar Installation Cost: $12,056
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saline
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Saline.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saline it's 2.81 per watt. The average Saline homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,058 with the federal tax credit, or $17,243 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Saline homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Saline for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Saline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,664 |
| 3 years | $-7,879 |
| 5 years | $-5,094 |
| 7 years | $-2,310 |
| 9 years | $475 |
| 11 years | $3,260 |
| 13 years | $6,044 |
| 15 years | $8,829 |
| 17 years | $11,614 |
| 19 years | $14,398 |
| 21 years | $17,183 |
| 23 years | $19,968 |
| 25 years | $22,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Saline
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Saline, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Saline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saline
For many Saline homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Saline, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Saline homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,316 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,737 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,314 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,049 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,941 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,991 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,198 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,562 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Saline, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saline?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Saline?
You can't get solar panels for free in Saline. 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.
Is it worth going solar in Saline?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Saline?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.