Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shields, MI (2023 Update)
- Shields Solar Installation Cost: $12,193
- 25-Year Savings: $23,111
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shields
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Shields.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shields, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,195 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shields depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shields find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Shields for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Shields
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,076 |
| 3 years | $-11,840 |
| 5 years | $-11,605 |
| 7 years | $-11,370 |
| 9 years | $-11,134 |
| 11 years | $-10,899 |
| 13 years | $-10,664 |
| 15 years | $-10,428 |
| 17 years | $-10,193 |
| 19 years | $-9,957 |
| 21 years | $-9,722 |
| 23 years | $-9,487 |
| 25 years | $-9,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Shields
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Shields
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shields
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Shields, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shields, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Shields, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Shields, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $21,897 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,510 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,281 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,210 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,295 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,538 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,939 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,497 | 7.8 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Shields, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shields?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Shields?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.