Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpena, MI (2024 Update)
- Alpena Solar Installation Cost: $16,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpena
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alpena.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alpena generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $16,870 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Alpena based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Alpena homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alpena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,737 |
| 3 years | $-13,472 |
| 5 years | $-11,207 |
| 7 years | $-8,942 |
| 9 years | $-6,677 |
| 11 years | $-4,412 |
| 13 years | $-2,147 |
| 15 years | $118 |
| 17 years | $2,383 |
| 19 years | $4,648 |
| 21 years | $6,913 |
| 23 years | $9,178 |
| 25 years | $11,443 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpena
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed 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 Alpena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpena
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Alpena average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alpena to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Alpena know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,651 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,656 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $13,888 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,348 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $21,035 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $24,950 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $29,092 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,461 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Alpena, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alpena?
The average cost of solar panels in Alpena 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Alpena?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alpena. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alpena, 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.
How long do solar panels last in Alpena?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.