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

  • Saline Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,064
  • 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 April 21, 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 Saline

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Saline.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saline it’s 4 per watt.The average Saline homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,419 with the federal tax credit, or $24,909 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer 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 $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Saline that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Saline

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,027
3 years$-13,242
5 years$-10,457
7 years$-7,673
9 years$-4,888
11 years$-2,103
13 years$681
15 years$3,466
17 years$6,251
19 years$9,035
21 years$11,820
23 years$14,605
25 years$17,389

Top Solar Installers in Saline

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Saline

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saline

While the average cost of a solar system in Saline is $17,419, your actual 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 solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Saline, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Saline is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Saline 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 end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$6,85618.0 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$9,59717.7 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$12,56417.3 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$15,75917.0 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$19,18116.6 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$22,83116.3 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$26,70815.9 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$30,81215.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Saline, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Saline, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Saline is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Saline?

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

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $819.68 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.