Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milan, MI (2024 Update)
- Milan Solar Installation Cost: $17,243
- 25-Year Savings: $13,186
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milan
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Milan.
In Milan, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Milan homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,243 with the federal tax credit, or $24,657 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 quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Milan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,851 |
| 3 years | $-13,066 |
| 5 years | $-10,281 |
| 7 years | $-7,497 |
| 9 years | $-4,712 |
| 11 years | $-1,927 |
| 13 years | $857 |
| 15 years | $3,642 |
| 17 years | $6,427 |
| 19 years | $9,211 |
| 21 years | $11,996 |
| 23 years | $14,781 |
| 25 years | $17,565 |
Top Solar Installers in Milan
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Milan, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Milan:
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 Milan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milan
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Milan: 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 price of a solar panel system in Milan, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Milan offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company 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 in Milan, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,107 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,931 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,982 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $16,261 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,766 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $23,500 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $27,460 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,648 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Milan, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Milan, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Milan?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Milan?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.