Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sylvan, MI (2023 Update)
- Sylvan Solar Installation Cost: $12,056
- 25-Year Savings: $18,776
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sylvan
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Sylvan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sylvan, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sylvan is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,058 for a solar installation, or $17,243 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Sylvan based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sylvan see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sylvan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,802 |
| 3 years | $-8,295 |
| 5 years | $-5,788 |
| 7 years | $-3,280 |
| 9 years | $-773 |
| 11 years | $1,735 |
| 13 years | $4,242 |
| 15 years | $6,749 |
| 17 years | $9,257 |
| 19 years | $11,764 |
| 21 years | $14,272 |
| 23 years | $16,779 |
| 25 years | $19,286 |
Top Solar Installers in Sylvan
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Sylvan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sylvan
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sylvan is $12,058, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sylvan, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sylvan, which can lower, 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 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sylvan, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $17,908 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $24,193 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $30,634 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $37,233 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $43,989 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $50,903 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $57,974 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $65,202 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Sylvan, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Sylvan, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sylvan?
The average cost of solar panels in Sylvan is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sylvan?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sylvan. 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 Sylvan?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 get 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.