Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bear Creek, MI (2024 Update)
- Bear Creek Solar Installation Cost: $17,504
- 25-Year Savings: $21,614
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bear Creek
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bear Creek.
The average cost of solar panels in Bear Creek is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,504 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bear Creek based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bear Creek can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Bear Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bear Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,250 |
| 3 years | $-13,743 |
| 5 years | $-11,235 |
| 7 years | $-8,728 |
| 9 years | $-6,221 |
| 11 years | $-3,713 |
| 13 years | $-1,206 |
| 15 years | $1,302 |
| 17 years | $3,809 |
| 19 years | $6,316 |
| 21 years | $8,824 |
| 23 years | $11,331 |
| 25 years | $13,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Bear Creek
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bear Creek, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bear Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bear Creek
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,060. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bear Creek offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bear Creek homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make 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 impact how much you pay. Bear Creek’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,124 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,619 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,343 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,293 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,471 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,877 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,509 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,370 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for 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 several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bear Creek, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bear Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Bear Creek is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bear Creek?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bear Creek, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bear Creek?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.