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

  • Erie Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,589
  • Payback Period: 14.5 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 Erie

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Erie.

The average cost of solar panels in Erie is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Erie, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,071, or $24,412 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Erie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Erie can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Erie

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,817
3 years $-13,310
5 years $-10,802
7 years $-8,295
9 years $-5,788
11 years $-3,280
13 years $-773
15 years $1,735
17 years $4,242
19 years $6,749
21 years $9,257
23 years $11,764
25 years $14,272

Top Solar Installers in Erie

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Erie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erie

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Erie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Erie, one of the most important 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Erie homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Erie, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $11,637 15.1 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $15,971 14.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $20,532 14.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $25,321 14.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $30,337 13.9 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $35,580 13.6 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $41,051 13.4 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $46,749 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

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 Erie, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Erie?

The average cost of solar panels in Erie 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Erie?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 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 install 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.

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