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

  • Shields Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,111
  • Payback Period: 12.5 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 Shields

We break down average solar pricing in Shields.

In Shields, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Shields depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Shields homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Shields

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,364
3 years $-13,856
5 years $-11,349
7 years $-8,842
9 years $-6,334
11 years $-3,827
13 years $-1,319
15 years $1,188
17 years $3,695
19 years $6,203
21 years $8,710
23 years $11,217
25 years $13,725

Top Solar Installers in Shields

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Shields, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Shields

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shields

There are many factors that can influence your 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Shields have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 $16,437 13.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $22,370 12.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $28,531 12.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $34,920 12.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $41,535 12.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $48,378 11.7 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $55,449 11.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $62,747 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.

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 Shields, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shields is currently $185,407, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,602 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shields is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.

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