Solar Panel Cost Guide in Augusta, MI (2023 Update)
- Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $13,062
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Augusta
We break down average solar pricing in Augusta.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Augusta is 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Augusta, the average price of going solar will be about $12,058 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Augusta homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,043 |
| 5 years | $-7,034 |
| 7 years | $-5,024 |
| 9 years | $-3,015 |
| 11 years | $-1,005 |
| 13 years | $1,005 |
| 15 years | $3,014 |
| 17 years | $5,024 |
| 19 years | $7,033 |
| 21 years | $9,043 |
| 23 years | $11,052 |
| 25 years | $13,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Augusta
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of 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 Augusta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Augusta
The cost of installing a solar system in Augusta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge 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 expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Augusta, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Augusta homeowners, they can also increase 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,316 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,737 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,314 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,049 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,941 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,991 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,198 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,562 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Augusta, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Augusta?
The average cost of solar panels in Augusta 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Augusta?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.