Solar Panel Cost Guide in Augusta, MI (2024 Update)
- Augusta Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Augusta
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Augusta.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Augusta it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Augusta, the average price of going solar will be about $17,419 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Augusta based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Augusta homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Augusta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Augusta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,027 |
| 3 years | $-13,242 |
| 5 years | $-10,457 |
| 7 years | $-7,673 |
| 9 years | $-4,888 |
| 11 years | $-2,103 |
| 13 years | $681 |
| 15 years | $3,466 |
| 17 years | $6,251 |
| 19 years | $9,035 |
| 21 years | $11,820 |
| 23 years | $14,605 |
| 25 years | $17,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Augusta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Augusta:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Augusta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Augusta
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Augusta is $17,419, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Augusta, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Augusta, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Augusta, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Augusta have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $6,856 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,597 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,564 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,759 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,181 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,831 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,708 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,812 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
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 $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.