Solar Panel Cost Guide in Birch Run, MI (2023 Update)
- Birch Run Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $17,085
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Birch Run
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Birch Run.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Birch Run, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Birch Run homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,195 with the federal tax credit, or $17,439 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Birch Run, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Birch Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,024 |
| 3 years | $-8,682 |
| 5 years | $-6,339 |
| 7 years | $-3,997 |
| 9 years | $-1,654 |
| 11 years | $688 |
| 13 years | $3,031 |
| 15 years | $5,373 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,058 |
| 21 years | $12,400 |
| 23 years | $14,743 |
| 25 years | $17,085 |
Top Solar Installers in Birch Run
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Birch Run, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Birch Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Birch Run
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Birch Run to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $16,067 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,737 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $27,564 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $33,549 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $39,692 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $45,991 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $52,448 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $59,063 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Birch Run, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs 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 sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Birch Run, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Birch Run?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Birch Run?
You can't get solar panels for free in Birch Run. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Birch Run?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.