Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Vista, MI (2023 Update)
- Buena Vista Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $21,066
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Vista
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Buena Vista.
The average cost of a solar system in Buena Vista is 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Buena Vista, the average price of going solar will be about $12,195 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Buena Vista homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Buena Vista, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,865 |
| 3 years | $-8,204 |
| 5 years | $-5,543 |
| 7 years | $-2,882 |
| 9 years | $-221 |
| 11 years | $2,440 |
| 13 years | $5,100 |
| 15 years | $7,761 |
| 17 years | $10,422 |
| 19 years | $13,083 |
| 21 years | $15,744 |
| 23 years | $18,405 |
| 25 years | $21,066 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Vista
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Buena Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Vista
Although the average cost of a solar system in Buena Vista is $12,195, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 $2,810. The brand and kind 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Buena Vista provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Buena Vista's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $19,919 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $26,874 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $33,986 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,255 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $48,681 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $56,265 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $64,007 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $71,905 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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.
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 Buena Vista, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Buena Vista 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Buena Vista?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Buena Vista?
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 opt 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.