Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ypsilanti, MI (2023 Update)
- Ypsilanti Solar Installation Cost: $12,056
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ypsilanti
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ypsilanti.
In Ypsilanti, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ypsilanti, the average price of going solar will be about $12,058 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Ypsilanti can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Ypsilanti, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ypsilanti
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,972 |
| 3 years | $-11,805 |
| 5 years | $-11,637 |
| 7 years | $-11,470 |
| 9 years | $-11,302 |
| 11 years | $-11,135 |
| 13 years | $-10,968 |
| 15 years | $-10,800 |
| 17 years | $-10,633 |
| 19 years | $-10,465 |
| 21 years | $-10,298 |
| 23 years | $-10,130 |
| 25 years | $-9,963 |
Top Solar Installers in Ypsilanti
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Ypsilanti
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ypsilanti
The cost of installing a solar system in Ypsilanti can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ypsilanti average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ypsilanti, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Ypsilanti's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has 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 | $12,316 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,737 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,314 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,049 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,941 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,991 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,198 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,562 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Ypsilanti, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ypsilanti?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than 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 Ypsilanti?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of 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.