Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brady, MI (2023 Update)
- Brady Solar Installation Cost: $11,979
- 25-Year Savings: $19,763
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brady
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brady.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brady it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Brady, the average price of going solar will be about $11,979 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brady find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brady
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,709 |
| 3 years | $-8,170 |
| 5 years | $-5,631 |
| 7 years | $-3,091 |
| 9 years | $-552 |
| 11 years | $1,987 |
| 13 years | $4,527 |
| 15 years | $7,066 |
| 17 years | $9,605 |
| 19 years | $12,145 |
| 21 years | $14,684 |
| 23 years | $17,223 |
| 25 years | $19,763 |
Top Solar Installers in Brady
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brady
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brady
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Brady: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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. 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower 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 can only 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brady is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $18,979 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,621 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,419 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $39,375 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,488 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,759 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $61,187 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,773 | 8.5 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. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Brady, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brady?
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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brady?
A solar panel system isn't free in Brady, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Brady, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.