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

  • Genesee Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,625
  • Payback Period: 14.2 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 Genesee

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Genesee.

In Genesee, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Genesee, the average price of going solar will be about $17,718 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Genesee see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Genesee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,464
3 years $-13,957
5 years $-11,449
7 years $-8,942
9 years $-6,434
11 years $-3,927
13 years $-1,420
15 years $1,088
17 years $3,595
19 years $6,103
21 years $8,610
23 years $11,117
25 years $13,625

Top Solar Installers in Genesee

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

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

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Genesee

There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Genesee.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Genesee provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $12,323 14.8 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $16,885 14.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $21,675 14.2 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $26,692 13.9 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $31,937 13.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $37,408 13.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $43,107 13.0 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $49,034 12.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Genesee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When looking 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 part breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Genesee, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Genesee?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Genesee. However, you may still be able to install 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.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for 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 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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