Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bath, MI (2023 Update)
- Bath Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $19,900
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bath
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bath.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bath, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,156 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending 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 is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,874 |
| 3 years | $-8,309 |
| 5 years | $-5,745 |
| 7 years | $-3,180 |
| 9 years | $-616 |
| 11 years | $1,948 |
| 13 years | $4,513 |
| 15 years | $7,077 |
| 17 years | $9,642 |
| 19 years | $12,206 |
| 21 years | $14,771 |
| 23 years | $17,335 |
| 25 years | $19,900 |
Top Solar Installers in Bath
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 Bath
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bath
For many Bath homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bath, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,810. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bath, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bath homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Bath's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $18,856 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,456 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,214 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $39,128 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,201 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,430 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $60,817 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,361 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Bath, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Bath, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bath?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bath?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bath, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value 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% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.