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

  • Taylor Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,091
  • 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 February 03, 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 Taylor

We break down average solar pricing in Taylor.

The average cost of solar panels in Taylor is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Taylor, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,379, or $24,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Taylor see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Taylor for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Taylor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,987
3 years $-13,202
5 years $-10,417
7 years $-7,633
9 years $-4,848
11 years $-2,063
13 years $721
15 years $3,506
17 years $6,291
19 years $9,075
21 years $11,860
23 years $14,645
25 years $17,429

Top Solar Installers in Taylor

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Taylor, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Taylor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taylor

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Taylor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Taylor, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Taylor to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Taylor, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $4.22 $17,734 $6,913 18.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,672 17.6 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,658 17.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,872 17.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $19,313 16.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,981 16.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,877 15.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $31,000 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Taylor, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Taylor?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Taylor?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

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

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $821.56 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 consumption and how much 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 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.

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