Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beecher, MI (Mar 2023)
- Beecher Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $23,050
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beecher
We break down average solar pricing in Beecher.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Beecher generally cost about 2.81. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Beecher, the average price of going solar will be about $12,254 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Beecher find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Beecher, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beecher
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,842 |
| 3 years | $-8,018 |
| 5 years | $-5,194 |
| 7 years | $-2,369 |
| 9 years | $455 |
| 11 years | $3,279 |
| 13 years | $6,104 |
| 15 years | $8,928 |
| 17 years | $11,752 |
| 19 years | $14,577 |
| 21 years | $17,401 |
| 23 years | $20,226 |
| 25 years | $23,050 |
Top Solar Installers in Beecher
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Beecher, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Beecher
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beecher
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Beecher: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Beecher, 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 solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Beecher, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 additional services like electric car 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,704 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,253 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,960 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,824 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,845 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,024 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,360 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,853 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Beecher, 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:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure 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 Beecher, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beecher?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Beecher?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.