Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, MI (2024 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $17,547
- 25-Year Savings: $20,382
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Lansing.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lansing typically cost around 4.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lansing, the average price of going solar will be about $17,547 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lansing homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,264 |
| 3 years | $-13,699 |
| 5 years | $-11,133 |
| 7 years | $-8,567 |
| 9 years | $-6,001 |
| 11 years | $-3,436 |
| 13 years | $-870 |
| 15 years | $1,696 |
| 17 years | $4,261 |
| 19 years | $6,827 |
| 21 years | $9,393 |
| 23 years | $11,959 |
| 25 years | $14,524 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
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. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Lansing:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
For many Lansing homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lansing, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lansing average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Lansing, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $13,874 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,954 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $24,261 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,795 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,556 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $41,545 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $47,762 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $54,205 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lansing, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lansing?
The average cost of solar panels in Lansing is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lansing is currently $146,824, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,020 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lansing is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.