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

  • York Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,064
  • Payback Period: 17.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 York

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in York.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in York typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in York is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,419 for a solar installation, or $24,909 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average York homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in York, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in York

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,027
3 years$-13,242
5 years$-10,457
7 years$-7,673
9 years$-4,888
11 years$-2,103
13 years$681
15 years$3,466
17 years$6,251
19 years$9,035
21 years$11,820
23 years$14,605
25 years$17,389

Top Solar Installers in York

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in York:

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in York

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York

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

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for York homeowners, they can also increase 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

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. York’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 the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$6,85618.0 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$9,59717.7 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$12,56417.3 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$15,75917.0 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$19,18116.6 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$22,83116.3 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$26,70815.9 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$30,81215.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's York, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in York 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in York?

A solar panel system isn’t free in York, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does York have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.