Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamo, MI (2023 Update)
- Alamo Solar Installation Cost: $11,986
- 25-Year Savings: $22,691
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamo
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Alamo.
The average cost of solar panels in Alamo is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Alamo depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Alamo see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alamo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alamo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,733 |
| 3 years | $-8,225 |
| 5 years | $-5,718 |
| 7 years | $-3,210 |
| 9 years | $-703 |
| 11 years | $1,804 |
| 13 years | $4,312 |
| 15 years | $6,819 |
| 17 years | $9,327 |
| 19 years | $11,834 |
| 21 years | $14,341 |
| 23 years | $16,849 |
| 25 years | $19,356 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamo
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Alamo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamo
The cost of installing a solar system in Alamo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects 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 energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 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. 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 Alamo to be too 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 all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Alamo is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,869 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,474 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,236 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,155 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,232 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,466 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,857 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,406 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Alamo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Alamo, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alamo?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alamo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.