Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alma, MI (2024 Update)
- Alma Solar Installation Cost: $17,489
- 25-Year Savings: $21,584
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alma
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Alma.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Alma is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alma is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,489 for a solar installation, or $25,009 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Alma depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,235 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,220 |
| 7 years | $-8,713 |
| 9 years | $-6,206 |
| 11 years | $-3,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,191 |
| 15 years | $1,317 |
| 17 years | $3,824 |
| 19 years | $6,331 |
| 21 years | $8,839 |
| 23 years | $11,346 |
| 25 years | $13,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Alma
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Alma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alma
The cost of installing a solar system in Alma can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Alma.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Alma, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Alma’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,113 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,605 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,325 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,272 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,446 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,848 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,477 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,333 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Alma, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Alma, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alma?
The average cost of solar panels in Alma 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Alma?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alma. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alma?
Most states have 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 energy 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?
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 install 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.