Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpine, MI (2024 Update)
- Alpine Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $22,624
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpine
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Alpine.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alpine it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alpine is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,551 for a solar installation, or $25,098 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alpine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,790 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-8,775 |
| 9 years | $-6,268 |
| 11 years | $-3,760 |
| 13 years | $-1,253 |
| 15 years | $1,255 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $6,269 |
| 21 years | $8,777 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpine
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Alpine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpine
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Alpine: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Alpine, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Alpine homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Alpine homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Alpine, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,048 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,853 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,884 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,143 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,629 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,343 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,284 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,452 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Alpine, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alpine?
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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alpine?
Solar panels aren’t free in Alpine, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 uses 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 home 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.