Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcadia, MI (2023 Update)
- Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $12,924
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcadia
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Arcadia.
The average cost of solar panels in Arcadia is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,195 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Arcadia for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arcadia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,191 |
| 3 years | $-9,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,171 |
| 7 years | $-5,162 |
| 9 years | $-3,152 |
| 11 years | $-1,143 |
| 13 years | $867 |
| 15 years | $2,876 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,896 |
| 21 years | $8,905 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Arcadia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
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
See all of the solar companies in Arcadia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcadia
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arcadia, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Arcadia offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Arcadia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access 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 names.
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 | $12,019 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,340 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,818 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,454 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,247 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,198 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,306 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,571 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Arcadia, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arcadia?
The average cost of solar panels in Arcadia is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Arcadia?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Arcadia is currently $158,314, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,491 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Arcadia is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.