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

  • Lee Solar Installation Cost: $17,459
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,574
  • Payback Period: 12.6 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Lee

See how much it might cost to go solar in Lee.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Lee is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,459 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lee find installing solar panels can pay off big.

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

Solar savings over time in Lee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,206
3 years $-13,698
5 years $-11,191
7 years $-8,684
9 years $-6,176
11 years $-3,669
13 years $-1,161
15 years $1,346
17 years $3,853
19 years $6,361
21 years $8,868
23 years $11,376
25 years $13,883

Top Solar Installers in Lee

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you're searching for a solar company in Lee, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Lee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee

For many Lee homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Lee.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lee average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lee, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Lee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $16,115 13.1 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $21,941 12.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $27,995 12.6 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $34,276 12.3 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $40,785 12.1 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $47,521 11.8 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $54,484 11.6 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $61,674 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.

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 Lee, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lee?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many 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 long do solar panels last in Lee?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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