Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shields, MI (2025 Update)
- Shields Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
- 25-Year Savings: $23,111
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shields
We break down average solar pricing in Shields.
The average cost of a solar system in Shields is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Shields based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shields find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Shields, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shields
| 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 Shields
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Shields, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Shields
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shields
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shields: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Shields.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Shields offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Shields’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Shields have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Shields, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shields?
The average cost of solar panels in Shields 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 consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shields is currently $185,407, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,602 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shields is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.