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

  • Vienna Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,273
  • Payback Period: 15.0 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

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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 Vienna

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Vienna.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vienna, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Vienna, the average price of going solar will be about $17,718 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Vienna homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Vienna, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Vienna

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,464
3 years$-13,957
5 years$-11,449
7 years$-8,942
9 years$-6,434
11 years$-3,927
13 years$-1,420
15 years$1,088
17 years$3,595
19 years$6,103
21 years$8,610
23 years$11,117
25 years$13,625

Top Solar Installers in Vienna

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Vienna, we've 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 Vienna

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vienna

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Vienna, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Vienna homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Vienna have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$10,69215.6 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$14,71115.3 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$18,95715.0 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$23,43114.7 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$28,13114.4 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$33,06014.1 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$38,21513.8 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$43,59813.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Vienna, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Vienna 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

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 Vienna is currently $202,015, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,283 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vienna is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Vienna?

Even 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 replace them once you've had 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.