Solar Panel Cost Guide in Almena, MI (2024 Update)
- Almena Solar Installation Cost: $16,493
- 25-Year Savings: $21,639
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Almena
We break down average solar pricing in Almena.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Almena, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Almena, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,493, or $23,585 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Almena homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Almena homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Almena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,239 |
| 3 years | $-12,732 |
| 5 years | $-10,225 |
| 7 years | $-7,717 |
| 9 years | $-5,210 |
| 11 years | $-2,702 |
| 13 years | $-195 |
| 15 years | $2,312 |
| 17 years | $4,820 |
| 19 years | $7,327 |
| 21 years | $9,835 |
| 23 years | $12,342 |
| 25 years | $14,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Almena
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Almena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Almena
The cost of installing a solar system in Almena can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Almena.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Almena, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 in cash 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.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Almena is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,440 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,375 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,537 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,926 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,543 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,387 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,458 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,757 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Almena, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Almena?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Almena?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Almena. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Almena?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.