Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flat Rock, MI (2024 Update)

  • Flat Rock Solar Installation Cost: $17,224
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,199
  • Payback Period: 17.1 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 Flat Rock

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Flat Rock.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Flat Rock it’s 4 per watt.The average Flat Rock homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,224 with the federal tax credit, or $24,630 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Flat Rock homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Flat Rock

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,831
3 years $-13,047
5 years $-10,262
7 years $-7,477
9 years $-4,693
11 years $-1,908
13 years $877
15 years $3,661
17 years $6,446
19 years $9,231
21 years $12,015
23 years $14,800
25 years $17,585

Top Solar Installers in Flat Rock

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Flat Rock, 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 Flat Rock

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flat Rock

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Flat Rock: 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Flat Rock.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 be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Flat Rock homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Flat Rock is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 $7,135 17.8 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,968 17.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $13,029 17.1 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $16,317 16.8 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $19,832 16.5 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $23,575 16.1 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $27,545 15.8 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $31,742 15.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Flat Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • 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 model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.

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 Flat Rock, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Flat Rock?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Flat Rock?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Flat Rock. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Flat Rock is currently $241,101, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,885 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Flat Rock is a worthwhile investment.

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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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