Solar Panel Cost Guide in Birch Run, MI (2023 Update)
- Birch Run Solar Installation Cost: $12,193
- 25-Year Savings: $17,087
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Birch Run
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Birch Run.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Birch Run, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Birch Run is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,195 for a solar installation, or $17,439 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Birch Run homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Birch Run for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Birch Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,096 |
| 3 years | $-11,901 |
| 5 years | $-11,705 |
| 7 years | $-11,510 |
| 9 years | $-11,315 |
| 11 years | $-11,120 |
| 13 years | $-10,925 |
| 15 years | $-10,729 |
| 17 years | $-10,534 |
| 19 years | $-10,339 |
| 21 years | $-10,144 |
| 23 years | $-9,949 |
| 25 years | $-9,753 |
Top Solar Installers in Birch Run
Do-it-yourself 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. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Birch Run can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Birch Run. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Birch Run have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Birch Run, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. 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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Birch Run?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more 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 expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Birch Run?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Birch Run?
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 long do solar panels last in Birch Run?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.