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

  • Pavilion Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,030
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Pavilion

We break down average solar pricing in Pavilion.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Pavilion is 4 per watt.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Pavilion, the average price of going solar will be about $17,318 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Pavilion

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,065
3 years$-13,557
5 years$-11,050
7 years$-8,542
9 years$-6,035
11 years$-3,528
13 years$-1,020
15 years$1,487
17 years$3,995
19 years$6,502
21 years$9,009
23 years$11,517
25 years$14,024

Top Solar Installers in Pavilion

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Pavilion

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pavilion

The cost of installing a solar system in Pavilion can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Pavilion, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pavilion homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$13,78914.1 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$18,84013.8 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$24,11913.5 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$29,62513.3 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$35,35813.0 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$41,31912.7 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$47,50712.4 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$53,92212.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

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 Pavilion, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pavilion?

The average cost of solar panels in Pavilion is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.