Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ash, MI (2023 Update)
- Ash Solar Installation Cost: $11,822
- 25-Year Savings: $13,298
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ash
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Ash.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ash, the average cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Ash homeowner needs a 6.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,822 with the federal tax credit, or $16,905 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ash
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,817 |
| 3 years | $-8,807 |
| 5 years | $-6,798 |
| 7 years | $-4,788 |
| 9 years | $-2,779 |
| 11 years | $-769 |
| 13 years | $1,241 |
| 15 years | $3,250 |
| 17 years | $5,260 |
| 19 years | $7,269 |
| 21 years | $9,279 |
| 23 years | $11,288 |
| 25 years | $13,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Ash
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
See all of the solar companies in Ash
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ash
Cost is usually 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 Ash: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Ash, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ash average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ash have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ash, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,818 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,405 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,150 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,052 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $32,112 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $37,328 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $42,703 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $48,234 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Ash, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ash?
The average cost of solar panels in Ash 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ash?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Ash is currently $178,087, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,302 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ash is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.