Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpine, MI (Mar 2023)
- Alpine Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $22,615
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpine
We go over average solar pricing in Alpine.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alpine typically cost around 2.81. The average Alpine homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Alpine homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alpine that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alpine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,765 |
| 3 years | $-7,984 |
| 5 years | $-5,202 |
| 7 years | $-2,420 |
| 9 years | $362 |
| 11 years | $3,143 |
| 13 years | $5,925 |
| 15 years | $8,707 |
| 17 years | $11,488 |
| 19 years | $14,270 |
| 21 years | $17,052 |
| 23 years | $19,833 |
| 25 years | $22,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpine
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in Alpine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpine
The cost of installing a solar system in Alpine can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alpine average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Alpine provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Alpine, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,508 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,993 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,634 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,433 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,389 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,503 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,774 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,202 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Alpine, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alpine?
The average cost of solar panels in Alpine is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.