Solar Panel Cost Guide in Birch Run, MI (2024 Update)
- Birch Run Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
- 25-Year Savings: $17,087
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Birch Run
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Birch Run.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Birch Run, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Birch Run is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,618 for a solar installation, or $25,194 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Birch Run based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Birch Run homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Birch Run for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Birch Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,364 |
| 3 years | $-13,856 |
| 5 years | $-11,349 |
| 7 years | $-8,842 |
| 9 years | $-6,334 |
| 11 years | $-3,827 |
| 13 years | $-1,319 |
| 15 years | $1,188 |
| 17 years | $3,695 |
| 19 years | $6,203 |
| 21 years | $8,710 |
| 23 years | $11,217 |
| 25 years | $13,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Birch Run
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Birch Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Birch Run
Though the average cost of a solar system in Birch Run is $17,618, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Birch Run homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Birch Run, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 | $10,607 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,597 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,814 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,259 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $27,932 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $32,831 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $37,958 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $43,313 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Birch Run, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Birch Run?
The average cost of solar panels in Birch Run 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Birch Run have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.