Solar Panel Cost Guide in Armada, MI (2023 Update)
- Armada Solar Installation Cost: $11,953
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Armada
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Armada.
In Armada, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,959 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Armada homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Armada
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,560 |
| 3 years | $-7,776 |
| 5 years | $-4,991 |
| 7 years | $-2,206 |
| 9 years | $578 |
| 11 years | $3,363 |
| 13 years | $6,148 |
| 15 years | $8,932 |
| 17 years | $11,717 |
| 19 years | $14,502 |
| 21 years | $17,286 |
| 23 years | $20,071 |
| 25 years | $22,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Armada
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Armada
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Armada
For many Armada homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Armada, 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 system in Armada, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Armada, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Armada's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $12,529 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,020 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,668 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,474 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,437 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,557 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,835 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $47,270 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Armada, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Armada?
The average cost of solar panels in Armada 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Armada?
You can't get solar panels for free in Armada. 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 power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Armada, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Armada?
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 their energy production 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.