Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, MI (2023 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $12,151
- 25-Year Savings: $14,424
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brandon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brandon it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,156 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Brandon homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Brandon for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,062 |
| 3 years | $-11,885 |
| 5 years | $-11,708 |
| 7 years | $-11,531 |
| 9 years | $-11,353 |
| 11 years | $-11,176 |
| 13 years | $-10,999 |
| 15 years | $-10,822 |
| 17 years | $-10,645 |
| 19 years | $-10,468 |
| 21 years | $-10,290 |
| 23 years | $-10,113 |
| 25 years | $-9,936 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brandon is $12,156, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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 solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brandon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brandon have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $13,538 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $18,365 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $23,350 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $28,492 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $33,792 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $39,249 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $44,863 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $50,634 | 10.3 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:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Brandon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brandon?
The average cost of solar panels in Brandon is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Brandon?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Brandon?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.