Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bruce, MI (2024 Update)
- Bruce Solar Installation Cost: $17,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bruce
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bruce.
In Bruce, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bruce is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,270 for a solar installation, or $24,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bruce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,878 |
| 3 years | $-13,093 |
| 5 years | $-10,308 |
| 7 years | $-7,524 |
| 9 years | $-4,739 |
| 11 years | $-1,954 |
| 13 years | $830 |
| 15 years | $3,615 |
| 17 years | $6,400 |
| 19 years | $9,185 |
| 21 years | $11,969 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $17,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Bruce
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Bruce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bruce
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bruce have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Bruce’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $7,069 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,880 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,918 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $16,184 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,677 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $23,397 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $27,345 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,520 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's Bruce, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bruce?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bruce is currently $364,897, so you can expect a value of about $14,961 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bruce is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.