Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bruce, MI (2023 Update)
- Bruce Solar Installation Cost: $11,959
- 25-Year Savings: $13,160
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bruce
We go over average solar pricing in Bruce.
In Bruce, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average Bruce homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,959 with the federal tax credit, or $17,101 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Bruce, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bruce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,955 |
| 3 years | $-8,945 |
| 5 years | $-6,935 |
| 7 years | $-4,926 |
| 9 years | $-2,916 |
| 11 years | $-907 |
| 13 years | $1,103 |
| 15 years | $3,112 |
| 17 years | $5,122 |
| 19 years | $7,132 |
| 21 years | $9,141 |
| 23 years | $11,151 |
| 25 years | $13,160 |
Top Solar Installers in Bruce
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Bruce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bruce
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bruce is $11,959, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bruce, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bruce, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bruce is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,529 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,020 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,668 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,474 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,437 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,557 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,835 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $47,270 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Bruce, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bruce?
The average cost of solar panels in Bruce 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Bruce have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.