Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackman, MI (Mar 2023)

  • Blackman Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,458
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackman

We break down average solar pricing in Blackman.

The average cost of a solar system in Blackman is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,038 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Blackman find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Blackman that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Blackman

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,658
3 years $-7,898
5 years $-5,139
7 years $-2,379
9 years $381
11 years $3,140
13 years $5,900
15 years $8,660
17 years $11,420
19 years $14,179
21 years $16,939
23 years $19,699
25 years $22,458

Top Solar Installers in Blackman

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Blackman

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackman

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Blackman: 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 size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Blackman homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Blackman, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Blackman are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $21,526 9.1 years
8 kW $2.87 $16,051 $29,016 8.9 years
10 kW $2.81 $19,670 $36,664 8.7 years
12 kW $2.75 $23,132 $44,469 8.6 years
14 kW $2.70 $26,436 $52,431 8.4 years
16 kW $2.64 $29,584 $60,550 8.2 years
18 kW $2.59 $32,574 $68,827 8.0 years
20 kW $2.53 $35,406 $77,261 7.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • 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: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Blackman, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blackman?

The average cost of solar panels in Blackman is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Blackman?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Blackman, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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