Solar Panel Cost Guide in Almira, MI (2024 Update)
- Almira Solar Installation Cost: $17,077
- 25-Year Savings: $20,341
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Almira
We go over average solar pricing in Almira.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Almira, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Almira, the average price of going solar will be about $17,077 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Almira based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Almira homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Almira
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,824 |
| 3 years | $-13,316 |
| 5 years | $-10,809 |
| 7 years | $-8,302 |
| 9 years | $-5,794 |
| 11 years | $-3,287 |
| 13 years | $-779 |
| 15 years | $1,728 |
| 17 years | $4,235 |
| 19 years | $6,743 |
| 21 years | $9,250 |
| 23 years | $11,758 |
| 25 years | $14,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Almira
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
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 Almira
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Almira
For many Almira homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Almira, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Almira, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Almira’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $14,378 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $19,625 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,100 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $30,802 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $36,732 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $42,889 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $49,273 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $55,884 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Almira, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Almira?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Almira?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Almira?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.