Solar Panel Cost Guide in Algonac, MI (2024 Update)
- Algonac Solar Installation Cost: $16,921
- 25-Year Savings: $13,409
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Algonac
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Algonac.
In Algonac, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Algonac, the average price of going solar will be about $16,921 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Algonac depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Algonac homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Algonac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,529 |
| 3 years | $-12,744 |
| 5 years | $-9,959 |
| 7 years | $-7,175 |
| 9 years | $-4,390 |
| 11 years | $-1,605 |
| 13 years | $1,179 |
| 15 years | $3,964 |
| 17 years | $6,749 |
| 19 years | $9,533 |
| 21 years | $12,318 |
| 23 years | $15,103 |
| 25 years | $17,887 |
Top Solar Installers in Algonac
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Algonac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Algonac
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Algonac is $16,921, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 nearly $4,060. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Algonac have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar 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 considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,580 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,562 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $13,770 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,206 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $20,870 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $24,761 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $28,879 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,225 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Algonac, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Algonac?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Algonac?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Algonac, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for 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 household 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.