Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brady, MI (2024 Update)
- Brady Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
- 25-Year Savings: $19,756
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brady
We go over average solar pricing in Brady.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brady generally cost around 4.The average Brady homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,318 with the federal tax credit, or $24,765 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Brady based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brady
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,050 |
| 7 years | $-8,542 |
| 9 years | $-6,035 |
| 11 years | $-3,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,020 |
| 15 years | $1,487 |
| 17 years | $3,995 |
| 19 years | $6,502 |
| 21 years | $9,009 |
| 23 years | $11,517 |
| 25 years | $14,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Brady
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Brady, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Brady homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
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 get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $13,519 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,481 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,669 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,085 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $34,728 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,599 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $46,697 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,023 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, 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: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brady?
The average cost of solar panels in Brady is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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 consume.
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 viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,041.79 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.