Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ypsilanti, MI (2024 Update)
- Ypsilanti Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ypsilanti
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ypsilanti.
In Ypsilanti, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Ypsilanti 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 true price you pay can go above or below the average in Ypsilanti based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ypsilanti
| Year | Return 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 Ypsilanti
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, 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 and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ypsilanti:
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 Ypsilanti
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ypsilanti
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ypsilanti is $17,419, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ypsilanti to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ypsilanti is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $6,856 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,597 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,564 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,759 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,181 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,831 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,708 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,812 | 15.6 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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Ypsilanti, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ypsilanti?
The average cost of solar panels in Ypsilanti 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Ypsilanti have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ypsilanti?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.